CANFAR Legacy Group

"The number of annual cases of HIV/AIDs in Canada and the U.S. has grown back to 1982 levels... In Canada in 2008, there were approximately 3,300 new HIV infections, and the rates of infection and steadily rising..."
Macleans.ca, July 22, 2010

• Men have accounted for 87.5% of all positive HIV test reports in Toronto since 1985.
• More than 80% of all infections among men in Toronto have been among gay, bisexual men, and other men who have sex with men (MSM).
• In 2008, gay, bisexual men and other MSM accounted for 56% of all new HIV diagnoses.
• Young adults (aged 20-29) account for a quarter of all Canadians diagnosed with HIV/AIDS.
• Since 2000, the proportion of AIDS cases among MSM youth has increased from 26.3% to 43%.
• There are an estimated 6,000 Canadian MSM who are unaware of their HIV-positive status.
• The number of positive HIV test reports among MSM adults increased by 34.2% between 1999 and 2008.
• Among surveyed men who reported having anal sex with a casual male partner, more than half (54%) did not always use a condom.

The CANFAR Legacy Group was recently developed to fund research, awareness and social programming devoted specifically to revitalizing HIV prevention programs for young gay males.

The face of HIV/AIDS has changed dramatically in recent years through medical advances that have greatly improved the quality and quantity of life of those living with HIV and AIDS.

While this may be true, research shows that in recent years, HIV transmission is on the rise across a number of specific constituent groups. Studies show an astounding 50% overall increase in HIV infection rates among the general population since 2001, with much of that among males. Most alarming is that the largest resurgence in HIV transmission is among young gay males.

There is widespread misinformation among Canada’s youth, with more than half of grade nine students believing there is already a cure for AIDS just as they are beginning to experiment with sex and sexuality.

The CANFAR Legacy Group will focus on supporting research to design more effective prevention programs targeting the young gay male community of the risks of HIV infection through unprotected sex and other modes of transmission.

Click here to see photos from the CANFAR Legacy Group launch on March 27, 2011.

Christopher Bunting, CANFAR President > cbunting@canfar.com
Duane Legister, CANFAR Legacy Group Chair > dledgister@dundeewealth.com