Canada’s Oldest HIV Agency to Close After 42 Years

The AIDS Committee of Toronto (ACT), known as Canada’s oldest HIV service organization, has announced it will close next year after serving the community for 42 years. The decision comes as a result of several factors, including groundbreaking medical advances, changing needs of people living with HIV, financial challenges, and shifts in the health-care system.

A History of Fighting HIV

ACT was founded in 1983, at a time when HIV and AIDS were surrounded by stigma, fear, and misunderstanding. Back then, an HIV diagnosis often meant long-term illness and even death. People living with HIV faced discrimination, limited treatment options, and few support services. ACT stepped in to provide essential care, guidance, and community support for those affected. Over the decades, ACT became a beacon of hope for individuals and families coping with the disease.

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Medical Advances Change the Landscape

Over the years, medical science has made remarkable progress in treating HIV. New treatment and prevention options have helped people with HIV live longer and healthier lives. Today, many people manage HIV as a chronic condition with daily medications that control the virus and reduce the risk of transmission.

As a result of these advances, the demand for traditional HIV support services has decreased. ACT reports that a third of its service users are now over the age of 55. This aging population has different needs compared to the earlier years of the epidemic. Today, issues like access to affordable medications and managing HIV as a long-term condition have become more important.

Changing Needs of the Community

Ryan Lisk, ACT’s executive director, explained that it is time to “pass the torch” to organizations that are better equipped to meet today’s needs. He emphasized that modern HIV organizations not only provide testing and medical support but also integrate mental health and social services for people living with HIV.

Dr. Kevin Woodward, executive director of HQ Health Hub in Toronto, said that HIV is now managed as a chronic disease through daily medication. He highlighted the importance of connecting newcomers living with HIV to care as soon as possible. Dr. Woodward also noted the significance of supporting mental health and social needs for aging individuals who have lived through decades of trauma associated with HIV.

Funding Challenges

While medical advances have reduced some needs, financial struggles have made it difficult for ACT to continue operations. Ryan Lisk pointed out that the funding available from federal, provincial, and municipal sources has largely stayed the same over the last 40 years. At the same time, donations from the public have declined.

To illustrate, ACT raised $3.6 million through donations and fundraising in 2003. By 2025, this figure is projected to fall below $300,000. The economic impact of COVID-19 and rising living costs have contributed to this decline. Lisk said that most non-profit organizations are facing similar struggles in 2025.

HIV Rates in Canada vs. the World

Global data shows a decrease in new HIV infections between 2010 and 2021, with a drop of nearly 22 percent. However, in Canada, the trend is the opposite. In 2023, Statistics Canada reported a 35 percent increase in new HIV cases compared to the previous year. This increase is particularly seen among marginalized communities.

Despite this rise in new infections, public awareness of HIV has declined. Ryan Lisk noted that HIV “isn’t on the radar” the way it was in the 1980s, 1990s, and early 2000s. He warned that while medical advancements are a reason to celebrate, declining awareness and funding pose new risks for the community.

Advocates Speak Out

The closure of ACT highlights the urgent need for sustained support for HIV initiatives. Shamin Mohamed Jr., founder and president of LetsStopAIDS, Canada’s largest youth-led HIV charity, described the closure as “heartbreaking.” He emphasized that Canada has the highest rate of new HIV infections among G7 countries.

Mohamed stressed the importance of continuing support for community-led organizations. “HIV is silently in our communities across Canada,” he said. “Now is not the time to decrease our support for community-led initiatives.”

The Future of HIV Care in Canada

As ACT prepares to close, other organizations like HQ Health Hub are stepping in to meet the changing needs of people living with HIV. These organizations focus on comprehensive care, including mental health support, social services, and access to medications.

The landscape of HIV care has shifted from emergency response and crisis management to long-term care and chronic disease management. Aging populations, newcomers, and marginalized communities require a broader range of services. Experts believe that collaboration among organizations, governments, and the community will be key to addressing ongoing challenges.

Closing a Chapter

The closure of ACT marks the end of an era. For more than four decades, the organization has provided support, care, and advocacy for people living with HIV in Toronto and beyond. Its legacy is reflected in the lives it touched, the stigma it fought against, and the progress it helped achieve.

Ryan Lisk expressed that while the closure is a difficult decision, it is a strategic move to ensure that people living with HIV continue to receive the best care through organizations better suited to current needs.

In conclusion, the story of ACT is a reminder of both the incredible advances in HIV treatment and the ongoing challenges in public health funding, awareness, and support. The fight against HIV is far from over, and the need for community support, awareness campaigns, and accessible care remains critical in Canada today.