The number of cases of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) jumped by 120% in Montreal in 2022, reveals a report from the Regional Public Health Department.
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The metropolis recorded 310 new infections in one year: the highest total in the last ten years.
Montreal alone accounts for 73% of cases recorded in Quebec.
In an interview with LCN, the founding president of the Clinique Médicale l’Actuel, Dr Réjean Thomas, spoke of a “shattering report”.
- Listen to the interview with Dr. Jean-Pierre Routy, clinical director of the Chronic Viral Diseases Department at the McGill University Health Center via QUB radio :
A new segment of the targeted population
Two populations are particularly affected by HIV: homosexuals and immigrants.
74% of reported cases concern men, but the number of infections among women has increased by 225% in one year, compared to a 100% increase among men.
25 to 34 year olds are the most affected age group.
The rise in cases among immigrants is new, but not entirely surprising, says Dr. Thomas.
“They arrive in Canada and they don’t know they are sick. At the same time, they come from poor countries where HIV prevalence is higher. So, we are not surprised at the same time, but it is really a new problem,” he explains.
In addition to this situation, the explosion of STIs can also explain the increase in the number of HIV infections.
“There are 11 children who were born with syphilis in the last three years in Quebec. “It’s something we’ve never seen for years,” says Dr. Réjean Thomas.
For the latter, the trivialization of the disease due to medical successes against AIDS can explain the current situation, as can the lack of awareness.
“We no longer talk about AIDS, there is no more campaign. On World Day, not many people wear their little red ribbon like back then,” he says.
To see the full interview, watch the video above.