Rideau Park United Church

SA&O Information Bulletin

Social Action and Outreach Committee
Rideau Park United Church
April, 2006

Canadian AIDS Society

Société canadienne du sida

Registered as a charity since 1988, the Canadian AIDS Society (CAS) is a national coalition of 123 community-based AIDS organizations across Canada. We are dedicated to strengthening the response to HIV/AIDS across all sectors of society, and to enriching the lives of people and communities living with HIV/AIDS. They advocate on behalf of people and communities affected by HIV/AIDS, facilitate the development of programs, services and resources for our member groups, and provide a national framework for community-based participation in Canada's response to AIDS. World AIDS Day is held every December 1. On this day, communities around the world honour and commemorate those lost to AIDS and those who continue to live with the effects of HIV/AIDS. World AIDS Day is also used to mark the achievements made, and the work still to be done, in the fight against HIV/AIDS.

• An estimated 56,000 Canadians are living with HIV and AIDS, compared to 30,000 only 10 years ago
• In 2002, an estimated 2,800 to 5,200 Canadians became newly infected with HIV
• Of those estimated to be living with HIV, approximately 17,000 Canadians are not aware of their infection
• An estimated 7,700 women are living with HIV/AIDS
• Infections among youth have risen dramatically in recent years
• In Aboriginal communities, HIV prevalence is disproportionately high
• An estimated 32,500 men who have sex with men are living with HIV/AIDS
• If not treated, AIDS is 100% fatal, yet the new HIV drugs don't work for everyone.
• There is no cure and no vaccine
• Prevention is the only cure

For additional information, please contact:

Canadian Aids Society
4-309 Cooper Street,
Ottawa, ON   K2P 0G5
Tel. : 613-230-3580

or visit www.cdnaids.ca