HIV/AIDS Statistics - Canada

Updated September 2008

Overview


It was estimated that at the end of 2005 there were approximately 58,000 (48,000-68,000) people in Canada living with HIV (including those living with AIDS), of whom approximately 27% were undiagnosed. The number of people in Canada newly infected with HIV in 2005 was estimated to be 2,300-4,500.

2,558 Canadians were actually diagnosed with HIV in 2006, 14% more than were diagnosed in 2001.

Most Recent Trends


Men who have sex with men (MSM) continue to account for the largest number and proportion of positive HIV test reports. In 2006, they accounted for 39.6% of all positive HIV diagnoses in Canada, up from about 36.5% in 2001.

Women represent a growing proportion of positive HIV test reports in Canada. They accounted for about 28% of all HIV diagnoses in Canada in 2006. From 1985-1992 they accounted for only 8.9% of HIV infections.

Aboriginal Canadians make up an increasing proportion of HIV test reports in Canada.

Modes of HIV Transmission Among Adult Canadians in 2006:
    • Men who have Sex with Men (MSM) 39.6%
    • Injection Drug Users (IDU) 17%
    • Women 28%
    • People from countries with high rates of HIV infection 8.3%


Sources


1. HIV and AIDS in Canada: Surveillance Report to December 31, 2006 - REVISED