Expert: HIV epidemic on the rise, with more cases in Quebec than national average

The HIV epidemic is on the rise again in Canada, with an 'alarming increase' of 24.9 per cent in reported cases across the country in 2022, according to the Canadian Foundation for AIDS Research. The Public Health Agency of Canada reported 1,833 new cases of HIV in 2022. Men aged 30 to 39 are the category with the highest rates. (CTV News) 

Here is an expert from McGill University who can comment on this issue:  

Jean-Pierre Routy, Full Professor and Louis Lowenstein Chair in Hematology and Oncology, Department of Experimental Medicine 

“The factors involved with the increase in HIV infections in Quebec include lack of prevention by condoms, and the fact that PrEP anti-HIV medication before sex is not used by sufficient persons at risk. Another factor is an increase in people due to immigration, a proportion of whom are infected with HIV. Although many people are already treated when they arrive in Quebec and are rarely sick, they still need support and information to continue using effective medications. HIV is no longer a perceived as a new condition; now, it is a second generation of persons at risk.” 

Jean-Pierre Routy is a Full Professor and Louis Lowenstein Chair in Hematology and Oncology in the Department of Experimental Medicine and an attending physician in the Division of Infectious Diseases at the McGill University Health Centre (MUHC), where he also serves as Clinical Director of Chronic Viral Illness Service. He has dedicated the last three decades bringing science and treatment innovation to improve the life of persons with HIV and or cancer.  

jean-pierre.routy [at] mcgill.ca (English, French)