Working to improve the health of the population and the quality of life of the people we serve.

Quick Facts
Bookmark and Share
  • AIDS is one of the four leading causes of death among 25-44 age group in BC.
  • HIV is preventable.
  • HIV is transmitted through contact with infected body fluids of blood, semen, vaginal fluids and breast milk. It is most often transmitted during unprotected sexual intercourse, or sharing of needles and injection equipment.
  • About 58,000 people in Canada were living with HIV in 2005 (Public Health Agency of Canada estimates). Of this population approximately 16,000 people did not know they had HIV, leading them to unknowingly spread the virus.
  • Every day, 1-2 people in BC are newly diagnosed with HIV.
  • The presence of a sexually transmitted disease increases the risk of HIV transmission.
  • Individuals infected with HIV have an increased likelihood of contracting tuberculosis.
  • In the Lower Mainland, approximately 90% of HIV-positive injection drug users (IDUs) also have Hepatitis C.
  • The risk of HIV-positive mothers infecting their infant during pregnancy, delivery and breast feeding (perinatal transmission) can be reduced to 1% if the mother is treated with antiretroviral therapy.
  • Antiretroviral drug therapy has extended the length and quality of life of many HIV-positive persons. However, health problems related to longer term disease and treatment are remaining.
  • Individuals not receiving antiretroviral therapy are more likely to experience complications of HIV. Many in BC are experiencing difficulties to access treatment for HIV.
  • The complexity of HIV care creates a large economic burden on those living with the disease, those providing care and the health care system
Healthlink BCCompliments and Complaints
Emergency NumbersFind a Doctor