For Immediate Release

Tuesday, September 23, 2003

OTTAWA, ONTARIO - HIV/AIDS is on the rise in Canada, yet the response to HIV/AIDS in Canada appears to be declining as evident by participation numbers in AIDS Walks held across Canada. This past weekend over 130 AIDS walks were held in every province and territory. Unfortunately, the number of participants and money raised was down compared to previous years. While there was a 50% increase in funds raised per walker, there were only half as many walkers from last year, which saw a net decrease of a half a million dollars.

"The money raised form the annual AIDS Walk provide much needed funds for community-based AIDS organizations," said Paul Lapierre, Executive Director of the Canadian AIDS Society. "The $1.6 million raised to date this year will benefit many organizations in providing essential services and programs to people living with HIV/AIDS. However, every cent not raised is going to be a challenge for many organizations, who rely on the annual walk as their sole fundraiser," said Lapierre. "The federal, provincial and territorial governments are going to feel the pressure to step up to the plate in terms of funding for HIV/AIDS awareness and prevention campaigns. The community can no longer respond effectively with the limited resources available to them."

Complacency about HIV/AIDS in Canadian society is growing. A recent survey revealed that a number of youth believe that there is not only a cure for HIV/AIDS but also there is a vaccine available to prevent HIV infection. "Why would Canadians feel the need to walk when these myths are in the community," said Lapierre.

"I am proud of the funds raised by the walkers this year. However, I am discouraged that local AIDS organizations are over burdened and over worked and do not have the resources to recruit new walkers," said Lapierre. "We must begin to look at new mechanisms for recruiting walkers from all sectors of society."

"The reality remains HIV/AIDS is fatal. There is no cure and there is no vaccine," said Lapierre. "Clearly, education, awareness and prevention efforts need to get these points across to Canadians. HIV/AIDS is preventable." The infection rates in Canada are unacceptably high. Recent figures from Health Canada estimate that approximately 50,000 Canadians are living with HIV/AIDS and there are 4,200 new infections each year. Consequently, resulting in more care and support programs and services for people living with HIV/AIDS. "Prevention programs are the only cure. It is time for Canadians to combat the stigma and discrimination associated with this disease and provide the necessary support to their local community-based AIDS organizations in raising the level of awareness in their communities," concluded Lapierre.

While the numbers of participants and funds raised were down for many walk sites, there were a number that reported success. Final figures will be available later in the week.

AIDS Walk Canada is funded entirely by the private sector. The Canadian AIDS Society would like to thank the following corporate sponsors: National Platinum Sponsor, Molson, National Gold Sponsor, M·A·C AIDS Fund, National Silver Sponsors, ALDO, Abbott Laboratories Ltd., Bristol-Myers Squibb Canada, GlaxoSmithKline in partnership with Shire Biochem, Canpar, Hoffman-La Roche Ltd.

AIDS Walk Canada is a project of the Canadian AIDS Society. CAS is a coalition of 115 community-based AIDS organizations across Canada. The CAS mandate is to speak as a national voice and act as a forum for a community-based response to HIV infection, as well as to advocate for persons so affected.

For more information, please contact:

Mark Creighan
Media Relations, Canadian AIDS Society
Tel.: (613) 230-3580 ext. 122
Cellular: (613) 724-9540
www.aidswalkcanada.ca
www.cdnaids.ca