As HIV cases rise across Canada, the numbers have stabilized in northwestern Ontario — for now

The recent surge in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) cases across Canada has raised concerns, with a 35 per cent increase in new cases reported last year. However, health-care workers in northwestern Ontario have managed to stabilize the numbers in the region, largely due to the availability of harm reduction services.

In the Thunder Bay District Health Unit’s (TBDHU) catchment area, there was an outbreak declared in 2019 following a surge in cases, with a total of 16 cases confirmed in 2021. The health unit has since tracked 16 cases from 2022 to now, with a focus on supporting individuals who are homeless, underhoused, and using substances through street outreach programs.

While the national trends are concerning, the TBDHU’s harm reduction services have played a crucial role in preventing the spread of HIV. Needle exchange programs and other harm reduction initiatives have been essential in reaching at-risk populations and providing support for testing and treatment.

However, Ontario is preparing to shut down 10 supervised consumption sites, including Path 525 in Thunder Bay, due to new rules about their proximity to schools and child-care centers. This closure has raised concerns among health-care workers about the impact on the community’s most vulnerable individuals.

Ken Miller, executive director of the Canadian AIDS Society, has called for policy changes at both the provincial and federal levels to better support people living with HIV. He emphasizes the importance of incorporating harm reduction services into the province’s new homelessness and addiction recovery treatment model, as well as advocating for law reform to stop the criminalization of people living with HIV.

Inclusive messaging around HIV is also crucial, as trends have shifted since the 1980s epidemic. Indigenous communities and individuals who use drugs are at high risk, and targeted outreach efforts are needed to address the specific needs of these populations.

In Ontario’s Northwestern Health Unit (NWHU), public education and harm reduction efforts have helped stabilize HIV case numbers. Testing and early treatment have proven to be effective in reducing the spread of the virus, along with the distribution of harm reduction supplies such as needles, sterile drug equipment, and condoms.

While the closure of Thunder Bay’s supervised consumption site is a concern, needle exchange programs will continue to be offered in the region. Health-care workers emphasize the importance of supporting individuals in using and returning drug equipment responsibly to prevent the spread of HIV.

Overall, the focus remains on providing accessible and confidential HIV testing, as well as linking individuals to treatment and support services. The commitment to harm reduction and public health initiatives in northwestern Ontario serves as a model for addressing the challenges of HIV prevention and care in the region.