HIV cases surge in Quebec, experts call for increased access to prevention and support [Video]

HIV cases in Quebec have increased compared to previous years. According to Institut national de santé publique du Québec (INSPQ), 917 cases of HIV were recorded in 2022.

A total increase of 78 per cent compared to 2021. Out of the 912 cases, 422 were newly diagnosed.

“What we know is that HIV infection is definitely not controlled in Canada,” says HIV specialist at McGill University Health Centre (MUHC), Dr. Bertrand Lebouché.

According to the INSPQ, the increase in cases is linked to the catch-up of HIV testing post-pandemic and the influx of migrants.

Dr. Lebouché says more can be done to curb this trend and is calling for free access to PrEP, a highly effective daily medication that prevents HIV infections.

The medication can cost around $250 per month for people without health insurance, says Dr. Lebouché. For those covered by RAMQ, the medication costs around $90.

“Even for …