It’s HIV and AIDS Awareness Week across Canada.
AIDS is a global pandemic and this week raises awareness of what can be done and what treatments are available.
Michelle Proctor-Simms with the Nova Scotia Advisory Commission on AIDS says it’s about shining a light on the issue.
“Until we have no more new infections, no more deaths, and we don’t have a stigma anymore that prevents people from accessing services, we have more work to do.”
She also says with modern advancements people are able to live normal lives.
But the public doesn’t always have the right information and this reinforces the stigma.
“Unfortunately, HIV/AIDS stigma and discrimination is still around, and that is one of the key drivers of the epidemic.”
Nova Scotia had 16 new cases of HIV and AIDS last year.
Proctor-Simms says this week reinforces it’s not just about treatment, it’s also about care and support for people living with HIV and AIDS.
She says early diagnosis is key.
Canada’s HIV and AIDS awareness week ends with World AIDS Day on Friday.