Biomedical subjects
Publications and source records attributed to David Garmaise.
A House of Commons committee says that current funding for the Canadian Strategy on HIV/AIDS should be more than doubled. It calls for designated funding for inmates and First Nations and Inuit peoples, and for HIV vaccine research. Finally, it says that more federal government departments need to become involved in the response to AIDS.
The House of Commons Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Trade issues a report that concludes that the magnitude and urgency of the AIDS crisis in sub-Saharan Africa requires additional action and resources from the federal government.
A study in British Columbia has found that high AIDS death rates persist because of a lack of, or only marginal access to, antiretroviral therapy among certain populations. The solution, the researchers say, is to develop novel health-care interventions and expand illegal-drug treatment programs.
Laurence Stocking, the recipient of the 2nd Annual Canadian Award for Action on HIV/AIDS and Human Rights, fought for the rights of prisoners to access HIV and hepatitis C (HCV) prevention and treatment programs.
According to a national survey, almost two out of every three Canadians think the federal government should be spending more to fight HIV/AIDS. The survey also found that: (a) although most Canadians know a lot about HIV/AIDS, there are some significant gaps in their knowledge; and (b) although most Canadians think HIV/AIDS is a serious problem, the vast majority do not consider themselves to be at risk for HIV infection. Few Canadians blame people for contracting HIV through sex or drug use, but many Canadians are still uncomfortable associating with people with HIV/AIDS in certain settings.
A national survey conducted in 2002 concluded that the sexual knowledge of Canadian students was lower then than it was in 1989 (when the last such study was conducted). The study also found that attitudes toward people living with HIV/AIDS had improved somewhat over the same period. However, the study identified some disturbing trends with respect to bullying. The study's authors call for a greater focus on students' sexual health.
The AIDS Law Project, the recipient of the 2nd Annual International Award for Action on HIV/AIDS and Human Rights, has been at the forefront of the struggle for human rights for people living with HIV/AIDS in South Africa. It has played a major role in convincing the South African government to implement a national HIV treatment plan.
Citizenship and Immigration Canada has denied an application for a visa from an HIV-positive man even though he is in good health. The man was seeking to fill a two-year work term in Canada. The case raises concerns about Canada's immigration policies for people with HIV and about the ability of organizations working in AIDS to hire HIV-positive foreign workers.
Health Canada announces that a national HIV vaccine plan will be developed in consultation with key stakeholders and that it will contribute to the global vaccine effort.
Senator Michael Kirby's committee says that the federal government should invest $6.5 billion more each year. It calls for the establishment of new national programs to pay for catastrophic drug costs and to expand home and palliative care.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
In July 2002 the Legal Network released an overview paper on legal and ethical issues related to an HIV vaccine in Canada. The paper, which is based on a more detailed report prepared in collaboration with the Centre for Bioethics of the Clinical Research Institute of Montréal, calls for the establishment of a Canadian HIV Vaccine Plan.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Associations representing physicians are concerned about the medical declaration physicians are required to complete under new Health Canada regulations relating to applications for the use of marijuana for medical purposes. Some physicians are refusing to complete parts of the declaration.
Critics say that the question about gay men on the questionnaires used to screen blood donors is outdated and discriminatory. But a consensus panel formed to examine the screening process says that the safety of the blood supply is paramount and that any changes to the questionnaire might undermine public confidence in the system.
Manitoba has embarked on a process to develop a Provincial Aboriginal AIDS Strategy separate from the Provincial AIDS Strategy.