Women living with HIV
Claudette Cardinal
Vancouver, BC
Among People living with HIV In Canada, 1 in 4 are women
Because women make up a small, albeit significant, portion of HIV cases, they are often overlooked in health communications. Reaching and empowering this demographic is critical.
Women’s susceptibility to HIV is influenced by the social determinants of health; societal values, cultural norms and poverty all contribute to a heightened risk of HIV. To prevent HIV and improve the health of women living with HIV, we must address the underlying causes that contribute to HIV risk and health outcomes.
It is crucial that responses to the HIV be inclusive of women in all their diversity. There is an urgent need for prevention, testing, treatment and care responses to address the unique experience of women, including the social, cultural and economic issues facing them.
Maureen Owino
Toronto, ON