Thursday evening, around twenty people gathered at the Cara complex, at the invitation of the Bureau for the Control of Blood-Transmitted Sexually Transmitted Infections (Blitss) of Victoriaville, to mark World AIDS Day.
The event, under the theme “Let’s light the candles”, allows each year to recall the journey traveled, highlight the actions, draw up a portrait of the situation, but also to pay tribute to those who have died from the virus. The director, Mylène St-Pierre, kicked off the evening by explaining that over the past three years, the portrait of HIV had changed in the region. “This year, we welcomed four new members whereas before it was one or two added annually,” she began.
She also recounted some statistics taken from the most recent INSPQ report which, at first glance, may seem catastrophic, as she herself indicated, but which deserve to be qualified. If the figures show a 37% increase in cases between 2019 and 2022 in Quebec, this can be explained because the number of tests carried out has varied greatly. There were fewer during the pandemic, who were caught up after it.
The report also indicates that 78% of new cases had never been tested before and that HIV now affected all age groups, and almost equally men and women. “We therefore need to intervene with all groups,” summarizes the director.
The organization must also adjust to the fact that the population most affected this year is found among people coming from a country where HIV is endemic. From 18% of cases in 2021, they increased to 46% in 2022. These people would have received their diagnosis in Quebec and are thus detected and controlled.
All this confirms the importance of Blitss and its team dedicated to the cause. It also reminds us that screening tests are still relevant, as is access to care. “We must be present and support people in the various issues,” adds the director.
Over the past year, the community group has worked in particular on access to care, support, intercultural intervention, medication, rights, etc. The organization also shined, having been the subject of a newsletter sent by the Bois-Francs/Érable Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCIBFE) to its members. This is without mentioning the active presence of workers in school and community settings. In addition, the year saw the launch of a new game, aimed at those aged 55 and over, which addresses the theme of overall sexual health.
Come together for the cause
For the organization, World AIDS Day is a great opportunity to come together. Psychosocial worker Valérie Plourde recalled that the day has been held since 1988 and that it is still relevant since the fight against HIV is not over. The priest David Vincent was present and led a moment of contemplation where he recalled the first names of the 35 members of the Blitss who died over the years. On a table, one candle per person was lit to give light to this moment.
A song, “If God exists”, was then performed by a speaker and then everyone was invited to write on a red ribbon (the symbol of the Blitss whose meaning we also recalled) what should be done in order to contribute to the well-being of people living with HIV. These small boxes were then affixed to a large white ribbon which thus took on the color of them.
