HIV and AIDS Statistics - Ontario
Updated August 2010
Overview
Since 1985, Ontario has the highest number of positive HIV test reports in Canada with a total of 29,787 (1985 - 2008). According to statistical models, 36,630 persons in Ontario have been infected with HIV to date; 9,670 persons have died, leaving 26,630 persons living with HIV as of 2008.
In 2008, there were 1,121 positive HIV tests reported in Ontario: an increase from the 1,076 cases reported in 2007 and slightly less than the 1,158 reported in 2006. It is estimated that 1,620 people in Ontario were actually newly infected with HIV in 2008
An estimated 67% of people living with HIV and AIDS in Ontario know their HIV status. That means that 33% of people who have HIV do not know this.
It is estimated that over 9,670 people have died of HIV or AIDS-related illnesses in Ontario since 1977.
To Date (1985-2008)
Men have accounted for 82% of all positive HIV test reports in Ontario.
Women have accounted for 18% of all positive HIV test reports in Ontario.
Mode of HIV Transmission in Ontario 1985 - 2008
- Gay and bisexual men and other men who have sex with men (MSM) 64.5%
- Injection Drug Users (IDU) 7.6%
- Heterosexual contact 11.1%
- People from countries where HIV is endemic 12.5%
Most Recent Trends (2008)
Gay and bisexual men, and other MSM continue to form the largest group affected by HIV and AIDS in Ontario, comprising 47.3% of all new HIV diagnoses in Ontario in 2008.
HIV infection among women has been steadily increasing over the years, but has declined somewhat in the past few years. Women accounted for 25% of adult positive HIV test reports in 2008.
Mode of HIV Transmission in Ontario in 2008:
- Gay and bisexual and other men who have sex with men (MSM) - 47.3%.
- Injection Drug Users (IDU) - 6.7%
- Heterosexual contact - 20.5%
- People from countries with high rates of HIV infection - 22.9%
- Women - 25%
Sources
1. Report on HIV/AIDS in Ontario 2008, Robert S. Remis, MD, University of Toronto, June 2010
