Study Finds AIDS Incidence and Related Deaths Drastically Decreasing in B.C. with Access to Treatment as Prevention

published on February 13, 2015

Vancouver, BC [February 13, 2015] Based on analysis of new AIDS-defining illness cases and AIDS-related deaths in BC, a new study from the British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS (BC-CfE) finds timely initiation of antiretroviral therapy and continued undetectable viral load can transform AIDS from an epidemic to an endemic disease. The research indicates AIDS and related deaths could not only be controlled, but virtually eliminated, through expanded access to highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), evidence-based treatment guidelines, and systems to ensure timely HIV diagnosis and HAART initiation.

The BC-CfE study published in the Lancet HIV, “Trends in AIDS incidence and AIDS-related mortality in B.C. between 1981 and 2013,” was based on individuals living with HIV, aged 19 years or older, who have ever accessed HAART in B.C. According to the findings, the overall AIDS-related mortality rate in B.C. has been decreasing since the mid 90’s. Deaths among HIV-positive individuals are increasingly attributed to non-AIDS related illnesses.

“These data warrant further exploration into the other causes of death and illness in individuals living with HIV/AIDS. As these individuals age, we are faced with today’s challenge of better understanding how to improve their overall health outcomes,” said Dr. Viviane Dias Lima, lead author of the study and BC-CfE Research Scientist and Senior Statistician.

The research demonstrates the effectiveness of widespread access to testing and treatment through antiretroviral therapy, as implemented in B.C. under the Treatment as Prevention (TasP) strategy. TasP is based on the concept that early diagnosis and treatment with HAART can considerably improve a patient’s longevity and quality of life, while dramatically decreasing the likelihood of spread of HIV.

The study provides strong support to the recently proposed UNAIDS 90-90-90 target, which was formally endorsed by UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon on September 25, 2014. The proposed UNAIDS 90-90-90 target calls for 90% of people living with HIV knowing their HIV status by 2020, 90% of them receiving sustained HAART, and 90% of them maintaining an undetectable viral load. Meeting the proposed target by 2020 will maximize the effectiveness of existing tools to virtually eliminate (defined as a >90% decrease below 2010 levels) progression to AIDS, premature death and HIV transmission, and thereby transform the HIV/AIDS pandemic into a low level sporadic endemic by 2030.

“The great news is rates of AIDS deaths are decreasing due to widespread and free access to HIV testing, treatment, and care in British Columbia,” said BC-CfE Director Dr. Julio Montaner. “It is imperative to rapidly build upon this progress by removing any remaining barriers to such integrated comprehensive programs for HIV and AIDS to reach an AIDS-free generation in the province. Our Treatment as Prevention experience provides a road map for global HIV/AIDS control and, eventually, the elimination of the pandemic, as proposed by the UNAIDS 90-90-90 target.”

About the British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS
The BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS (BC-CfE) is Canada’s largest HIV/AIDS research, treatment and education facility and is internationally recognized as an innovative world leader in combating HIV/AIDS and related diseases. BC-CfE is based at St. Paul’s Hospital, Providence Health Care, a teaching hospital of the University of British Columbia. The BC-CfE works in close collaboration with key provincial stakeholders, including government, health authorities, health care providers, academics from other institutions, and the community to decrease the health burden of HIV and AIDS. By developing, monitoring and disseminating comprehensive research and treatment programs for HIV and related illnesses, the BC-CfE helps improve the health of British Columbians.

For additional information or to request interviews, please contact:

Caroline Dobuzinskis
BC-CfE
Phone: 604-682-2344 ext. 66536
Email: cdobuzin@cfenet.ubc.ca

Causes of Death for People Living
with HIV by Year in British Columbia

Between 1994 and 2013, the number of AIDS cases decreased from 696 to 84, which corresponds to a drop of 88%. The number of AIDS-related deaths decreased from 261 to 44, which corresponds to a drop of 83%. The percent of deaths attributed to an AIDS-defining illness decreased from 89% to 20%, which corresponds to a drop of 77%.

BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS

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Study Finds AIDS Incidence and Related Deaths Drastically Decreasing in B.C. with Access to Treatment as Prevention

New AIDS Cases by Year
in British Columbia

Causes of Death for People Living
with HIV by Year in British Columbia

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