'Game changer': Advocates celebrate Manitoba’s move to cover HIV preventing drug
Advocates are celebrating the Manitoba government's move to cover the cost of a drug that helps prevent HIV, but believe more work is needed.
Rusty Souleymanov, an assistant professor and director of the Village Lab at the University of Manitoba, recently did a study regarding two-spirit, gay, bisexual, and queer men's health.
One of the recommendations from the study was that the province cover PrEP medication, drugs that prevent HIV.
"As part of the project, respondents told us that they did have quite a lot of info already on PrEP, but the main issue in regards to accessing PrEP was cost," said Souleymanov.
The antiviral drug can cost hundreds of dollars each month if not covered by the government or insurance.
As of Friday, however, the Manitoba Government announced it would be adding the drug to its provincial formulary, meaning the cost can now be covered.
"PrEP is a game changer in Manitoba as it has been in other places across the country," said Michael Payne, executive director at Nine Circles Community Health Centre, during the news conference.
Michael Fanous, a Toronto-based pharmacist specializing in HIV, said PrEP drugs are up to 99 per cent effective at preventing the disease.
"So PrEP stands for pre-exposure prophylaxis. It's the concept of taking HIV medications before someone is exposed to HIV," said Fanous.
According to Fanous, evidence shows HIV rates drop substantially when access to PrEP increases.
"Six Canadians contract HIV every day, so that means around 2,500 new infections annually, and areas where we've seen PrEP's uptake more readily available, the number is slashed in half," he said.
Fanous noted HIV is much more prevalent in certain groups like the LGBTQ2+, Afro-Caribbean and Indigenous community.
While happy the province now covers the drug, Souleymanov said the province's move to cover PrEP might have taken too long since Manitoba was the last province in the country to add it to its formulary.
"The rates are still rising," said Souleymanov. "Manitoba has the second-highest rate of HIV cases after Saskatchewan, so that speaks that there's still a lot of work remaining to do in the province."
Souleymanov said work can now switch focus to other HIV-related issues like stigma, racism and homophobia.
To provide PrEP, medical practitioners need to register. The registration forms can be found online.
Manitoba Health and Seniors Care said it partnered with the Manitoba HIV Program to create the 'Manitoba HIV Program HIV Prevention Guidelines.' These guidelines include eligibility for PrEP, initial and ongoing assessment, and recommended supports for patients receiving PrEP.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post
The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Millions of cyberattacks per hour as B.C. government investigates multiple breaches
Careful attention to government statements and legislation is required to get a handle on the level of risk British Columbians’ information is under, as investigators probe multiple breaches under a continued barrage of attacks.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
New 'Lord of the Rings' film coming in 2026
The Oscar-winning team behind the nearly US$6 billion blockbuster 'Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' trilogies is reuniting to produce two new films.