Action Canada for Sexual Health and Rights works with partners to improve access to the full spectrum of sexual and reproductive healthcare—from contraception and abortion to HIV testing, treatment, and prevention. We know these issues are inseparable: when people face stigma, discrimination, or barriers in one part of the system, it affects their health and autonomy across the board. That’s why we champion inclusive, judgment-free care, and why we’re working toward a world where conversations about sexual health, including HIV, are a supported part of everyone’s healthcare journey. When people have the information, respect, and services they need, they’re able to make decisions about their bodies, protect their health, and build thriving communities.
In pursuit of this mission, we’ve joined 75 community-based organizations alongside the Canadian Foundation for AIDS Research (CANFAR) for this year’s World AIDS Day campaign. To combat HIV stigma and raise awareness about the rising rates of HIV transmission—which rose 35% in 2023.
At the heart of the campaign is a public service announcement that challenges perceptions of HIV and features 6 Canadians living with HIV – CANFAR National Ambassadors Myles Sexton, Ashley Murphy, Gabriel Jarquin, Joey Arrigo, Justin Anantawan and Julio Reyes.
Flipping the lens on HIV stigma and set against a vivid backdrop of HIV/AIDS signature red, the PSA urges viewers to confront their biases and see the people—not the stigma—behind HIV.
The campaign responds to troubling new data from a Leger poll commissioned by CANFAR & Gilead, which found that while 44% of Canadians view rising HIV rates as a public health concern, nearly half are unaware that rates have increased over the past five years. These findings underscore an urgent need for public education and awareness about the current state of HIV in Canada. Because whether positive, negative, or unknown, each one of us has an HIV status.
There are still many barriers for people to access HIV testing and medication. Canada’s history of colonization has created mistrust with public health systems, and the impacts of intergenerational trauma exacerbate the HIV epidemic. These inequities delay or reduce diagnoses. They reduce access and retention to treatment. They fuel the onward transmission of the virus.
Health is a human right. That means access to HIV testing, prevention and treatment options at zero cost. It means culturally-safe, community-led care. It means welcoming, respectful, and trauma-informed support. HIV testing and treatment save lives — but only if everyone can access them freely, safely, and without stigma.
Join us in sharing the message this World AIDS Day. Visit the campaign, supported by Gilead, to learn more, and remember the four key messages this year:
- HIV is on the rise.
- Health inequities fuel the epidemic.
- HIV affects everyone.
- Everyone has an HIV status.