HIV North is hoping an increase in cases of HIV and other STIs in the province, particularly here in northern Alberta, will help encourage people to be more proactive.
According to a recent report from Alberta Health Services, from 2010 to 2013, cases of HIV increased from 205 to 255.
HIV North Executive Director Susan Belcourt-Rothe says despite efforts to reach out to businesses in the community, they have been having a hard time getting their message out.
“The response that we get back is quite limited, which is unfortunate because HIV is a disease we know if preventable; if people use condoms, that disease risk reduces. It’s that simple really.”
Dr. James Talbot, Alberta’s Chief Medical Officer of Health, is attributing the rise to the province’s high number of young, single men and migrant workers.