Kevin Falcon on World AIDS Day: BC Must Maintain its HIV/AIDS Leadership Role
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
As the world marks World AIDS Day, former Health Minister Kevin Falcon says British Columbia must continue to lead in the fight against HIV/AIDS.
"British Columbia is home to Canada's largest HIV/AIDS research, treatment and education organization, and the work of Dr Julio Montaner, reinforces that our leadership role is recognized across North America and around the world," said Falcon, candidate for the leadership of the BC Liberal Party. "Having worked with Julio and his team, I'm committed to supporting the ground-breaking work that has been championed here in British Columbia."
As Health Minister, Falcon recently oversaw the launch of the Seek and Treat pilot program, which connects at-risk populations with appropriate treatment services in Vancouver and Prince George. The pilot program, which uses Highly Active Anti-retroviral Therapy (HAART), will be led by Dr. Montaner at the B.C. Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS. Over the next four years, the program will receive $48 million in provincial funding.
"British Columbians deserve access to the best treatment and support programs available and HAART is the current gold standard in HIV treatment," said Falcon. "HAART has been shown to improve the quality of life for people living with HIV/AIDS, while also reducing transmission rates. That's why I support evidence-based programs like HAART as well as the Insite supervised Injection site in Vancouver's Downtown Eastside."
Thanks to programs like HAART and Provincial investments in HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment and care, Dr. Montaner and the B.C. Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS have helped make BC a global leader in the fight against HIV/AIDS.
"As Minister of Health Services, Kevin helped ensure that every person living with HIV in the province, who is medically eligible, can access anti-retroviral drug treatment at no cost," said Dr. Montaner. "He understands that the strength and effectiveness of BC's health care system depends on making collaborative evidence-based decisions that recognize the needs of all stakeholders.
"At the same time, Kevin has shown a real understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing BC's health care system, as well as genuine compassion for people living with HIV/AIDS."
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