117 cases of HIV diagnosed in Manitoba in 2020: Roussin
Manitoba’s top doctor said there were 117 cases of HIV identified in Manitoba in 2020, which is a slight decrease from 2019, when there were 121 new cases.
Dr. Brent Roussin, chief provincial public health officer, announced the numbers on Wednesday, noting that the province’s latest HIV report is now online. Wednesday also marks World AIDS Day.
“The theme for World AIDS Day is ‘end inequalities, end AIDS.’ So HIV and stigma and the stigma surrounding it continues to be a significant public health concern in Canada and around the world, including Manitoba,” Roussin said.
“The populations most at risk of HIV have faced longstanding health and social inequities, made worse now by the COVID-19 pandemic.”
Roussin added that though the report shows a slight reduction in HIV cases in 2020, there was a “significant” reduction in testing for the virus.
“Heterosexual sex and the sharing of drug injection equipment appear to be the largest drivers right now in Manitoba,” he said.
Roussin noted that the 20 to 29 age group accounted for the highest proportion of cases among females, while for males it was the 30 to 39 age group.
He encouraged Manitobans to get tested for HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases and to talk to their health-care providers about prevention, testing and treatment.
“Around 25 per cent people living with HIV infection are unaware that they have HIV and that can contribute to the spread,” he said.
Roussin advised that testing for sexually transmitted diseases is confidential, free, and available at physician clinics, community clinics and hospitals.
He urged those living with HIV to stay connected to care.
“This is treated as a chronic infection. We can bring the level of that virus down to undetectable levels and to minimize the risk of that being transmitted to others as well,” he said.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
B.C. tenants evicted for landlord's use after refusing large rent increase to take over neighbouring suite
Ashley Dickey and her mother rented part of the same Coquitlam duplex in three different decades under three different landlords.
Mountain guide dies after falling into a crevasse in Banff National Park
A man who fell into a crevasse while leading a backcountry ski group deep in the Canadian Rockies has died.
Expert warns of food consumption habits amid rising prices
A new survey by Dalhousie University's Agri-Food Analytics Lab asked Canadians about their food consumption habits amid rising prices.
MPP Sarah Jama asked to leave Ontario legislature for wearing keffiyeh
MPP Sarah Jama was asked to leave the Legislative Assembly of Ontario by House Speaker Ted Arnott on Thursday for wearing a keffiyeh, a garment which has been banned at Queen’s Park.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
Ex-tabloid publisher testifies he scooped up possibly damaging tales to shield his old friend Trump
As Donald Trump was running for president in 2016, his old friend at the National Enquirer was scooping up potentially damaging stories about the candidate and paying out tens of thousands of dollars to keep them from the public eye.
Here's why provinces aren't following Saskatchewan's lead on the carbon tax home heating fight
After Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the federal government would still send Canada Carbon Rebate cheques to Saskatchewan residents, despite Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe's decision to stop collecting the carbon tax on natural gas or home heating, questions were raised about whether other provinces would follow suit. CTV News reached out across the country and here's what we found out.
Montreal actress calls Weinstein ruling 'discouraging' but not surprising
A Montreal actress, who has previously detailed incidents she had with disgraced Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein, says a New York Court of Appeals decision overturning his 2020 rape conviction is 'discouraging' but not surprising.
Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels and Drake Maye make it four NFL drafts with quarterbacks going 1-3
Caleb Williams is heading to the Windy City, aiming to become the franchise quarterback Chicago has sought for decades.