HIV and AIDS Statistics - Canada
Updated December 2010
Overview
The number of people living with HIV (including AIDS) in Canada continues to rise, from an estimated 57,000 in 2005 to approximately 65,000 by the end of 2009 (a 14% increase).
Although estimates of the number of new HIV infections are quite uncertain, it appears that the number of new infections in 2009 (estimated range between 2,300 and 4,300) was about the same as or slightly greater than the estimated range in 2005 (2,200 to 4,200).
Most Recent Trends
Gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (MSM) continued to comprise the greatest proportion (44%) of new HIV infections in 2009.
In 2008, persons who inject drugs (IDU) comprised 21% of new HIV infections.
The proportions of new infections in 2009 among male and female heterosexuals who are not from countries that have high rates of HIV was 25% and male and female heterosexuals from countries with HIV rates of HIV (so-called 'endemic countries') comprised 5.5%.
The proportion of all new infections among women was unchanged from 2005 to 2009 (26%).
Aboriginal persons also continue to be over-represented in the HIV epidemic in Canada, and comprised 11% of all new infections in 2009.
Sources
1. HIV/AIDS in Canada: Surveillance Report to December 31, 2009. Public Health Agency of Canada.
