CHARLOTTETOWN, P.E.I. — A hike in new HIV cases in P.E.I. demonstrates the importance of testing for early detection, says the executive director of PEERS Alliance.
There were seven new HIV cases in the province in 2018, well up from the annual average of three.
“What this does illustrate for us is continuing to do HIV messaging and programming to the general population continues and remains to be important,’’ says Cybelle Rieber.
“Whenever we see a more than doubling in diagnosis there absolutely is a concern.’’
Dr. Heather Morrison, P.E.I.’s chief provincial health officer, does not see any concerning demographic trends in terms of transmission in the seven cases.
She said the age range in the cases is between 22 and 72 with four male and three female cases. There is also a diverse range in the manner of contraction of human immunodeficiency viruses.
“When we have seven cases, we want to look at that number,’’ she said.
“It will be important to look at this over time as well.’’
Getting tested
Health P.E.I. urges Islanders who think they may have a sexually transmitted infection (STI) or a sexually transmitted blood-borne Infection (STBBI) to be seen by a family doctor, nurse practitioner or a specially trained nurse.
STI and STBBI testing and treatment is offered to individuals of all genders, orientations and ages through the Women’s Wellness Program, providing safe, confidential and supportive services to all clients.
Call 1-844-365-8258 (toll-free) to arrange an appointment or contact a family doctor, nurse practitioner or a local pap screening clinic.
Given the Island’s relatively small population, the number of HIV cases tends to fluctuate every year, Morrison’s office added in a statement.
“It is important to note that there are various factors we review when we look at HIV cases in P.E.I., including risk factors, immigration and travel, etc.,’’ said the chief provincial health office (CPHO).
Both Rieber and Morrison encourage Islanders to get tested.
“Getting tested gives you the information you need to know to move forward in the best way possible,’’ said Rieber.
She said the PEERS Alliance, formerly known as AIDS P.E.I., would like to know how many Islanders are getting tested for HIV, not just the number of people who test positive.
“We’ve asked for those numbers, but they are not available,’’ she said. “It would be great to know how many tests are happening.’’
Morrison said that information is available – there were 4,800 requests for HIV tests last year on P.E.I.
She said the numbers can be tabulated without great difficulty since all testing is done in one provincial lab. She added knowing if more or fewer people are getting tested from one year to the next is an important aspect of monitoring fluctuation in new HIV cases.
From a public health perspective, Morrison said, prevention remains the key. Following safe sex practices and refusing to share needles, she stressed, are strong preventative measures.
Peer support
The PEERS Alliance, formerly AIDS P.E.I., supports those living with and at risk for HIV, Hep C and all sexually transmitted infections in P.E.I. by offering a variety of programs and services targeting diverse communities.
PEERS, an acronym for “prevent, educate, empower, respect and support’’, serves people of all genders and sexual orientation. The group supports those who use drugs in developing strategies to reduce the risk of negative health outcomes.
To learn more about PEERS Alliance, call 902-566-2437 or visit [email protected].
Rieber is pleased the province earlier this year followed on the heels of New Brunswick and Nova Scotia in beginning coverage of a relatively new drug that can reduce the risk of HIV before transmission.
The drug, known as “prep’’ or pre-exposure prophylaxis, is available by prescription by a physician or nurse practitioner and in connection with CPHO. It is covered for Islanders who meet treatment criteria, and who do not have the financial means to pay for their medication. New Canadians guidelines came out in 2018, which outlines who should be treated with the drug. P.E.I.'s health providers are following the national guidelines.
“Having that option for those that know they are at higher risk (for contracting HIV) puts the power back in the individual’s hands,’’ said Rieber.