Summary: Estimates of HIV incidence, prevalence and proportion undiagnosed in Canada, 2014

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Background

The Public Health Agency of Canada (the Agency) produces national HIV and AIDS surveillance reports annually. These HIV and AIDS surveillance reports reflect information about individuals who have been tested and diagnosed; the data do not include individuals who are infected but have not been tested. Therefore, modelling and additional sources of information are required to produce estimates that describe the epidemic among all Canadians living with HIV, both diagnosed and undiagnosed.  This is an activity that is undertaken around the world to monitor national and global HIV epidemics, and to guide prevention and control programs.

The Agency produces three types of estimates as part of its mandate to monitor HIV trends in Canada:

  • Incidence: The number of new HIV infections in a one year period;
  • Prevalence: The number of people living with HIV (including AIDS) at a specific point in time;
  • Proportion undiagnosed: The proportion of people living with HIV who have not been diagnosed, and therefore are not aware of their HIV-positive status.

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Organization:
Type: Report
Date published: 2015-11-27

Related Topics

Understanding HIV incidence, the rate at which new infections is occurring in Canada, is critical for tracking the leading edge of the epidemic, for planning HIV prevention programs, and for evaluating the impact of existing prevention programs. Estimating HIV prevalence is critical for planning and allocating resources towards care and treatment for people living with and affected by HIV and AIDS.  Estimating the number and proportion of people with undiagnosed HIV infection is important to help increase early diagnosis, which benefits individuals with HIV (where early care and appropriate treatment can result in prolonged and improved quality of life) and the overall population (since people who know their HIV-positive status are more likely to adopt strategies to reduce the possibility of onward transmission of the virus).  These estimates guide the work done by the Agency and other federal departments who, under the Federal Initiative to Address HIV/AIDS in Canada, work jointly to address HIV and AIDS in Canada. 

The Agency has produced national HIV incidence and prevalence estimates for Canada every three years since 1996. Estimates published in this report replace all previous estimates published by the Agency concerning HIV incidence, prevalence and proportion undiagnosed in Canada.  In this summary, estimates for preceding years have been revised because updated data and new information are available, which allow for an improved analysis of the epidemic and more reliable historical estimates.

Estimate of the number of new HIV infections in 2014

Ongoing HIV transmission remains an issue of concern in Canada.  The Agency estimates that 2,570 new infections (range between 1,940 and 3,200) occurred in Canada in 2014.  This estimate is slightly lower than the estimate for 2011 (2,800; range between 2,100 and 3,500) (Table 1, Figure 1).  The estimated incidence rate in Canada in 2014 was 7.2 per 100,000 population (range between 5.5 and 9.0 per 100,000 population).

In terms of exposure category (defined in Appendix 1), the estimates for 2014 (Table 1, Figure 2) are as follows:

  • There were approximately 1,396 new infections in 2014 attributed to the men who have sex with men (MSM) exposure category, representing 54.3% of all new infections.  This estimate is similar to the 2011 estimate of 1,416 new infections. 
  • The estimate of 270 new infections in 2014 attributed to injection drug use (IDU) exposure was noticeably lower than the estimated of 384 for 2011. 
  • Similarly, the number of new infections attributed to the combined heterosexual contact exposure categories (non-endemic and endemic) was slighter lower in 2014 (839) compared to 2011 (927).

People from countries where HIV is endemic continue to be over-represented in Canada’s HIV epidemic.  An estimated 358 new infections were attributed to the heterosexual-endemic exposure categoryFootnote a in 2014 (Table 1). This category accounted for 13.9% of new infections in Canada in 2014, whereas people born in HIV-endemic countries represented approximately 2.5% of the overall Canadian population according to the 2011 Census.  The HIV incidence rate for this population was 40.3 per 100,000 population in 2014, which is 6.3 times higher than the rate for other Canadians (6.4 per 100,000 population).

Aboriginal people also continue to be over-represented in the HIV epidemic in Canada.  An estimated 278 new HIV infections in 2014 occurred among Aboriginal people (Table 1), which represents 10.8% of all new infections in 2014. By contrast, Aboriginal people represent 4.3% of the total Canadian population (according to the 2011 Census).  This 2014 estimate is slightly lower than the estimate for 2011, which was 349 new infections and 12.5% of all new infections.  The HIV incidence rate for Aboriginal people was 18.2 per 100,000 population in 2014, which is 2.7 times higher than the non-Aboriginal Canadian population (6.7 per 100,000 population) in 2014. With respect to exposure category, nearly half (45.3%) of new infections were attributed to IDU exposure, followed by heterosexual contact (40.3%), MSM (10.4%) and MSM-IDU (4.0%) exposures.

There were an estimated 595 (range of 440 to 750) new HIV infections among females in Canada in 2014 (Table 1). This estimate represents 23.2% of all new infections in 2014, which is similar to the proportion estimated for 2011. The majority (79.2%) acquired their infection through heterosexual contact; 20.8% acquired their infection via IDU exposure.

Estimate of the number of people living with HIV at the end of 2014

The Agency estimates that approximately 75,500 (range between 63,400 and 87,600) people were living with HIV (including AIDS) at the end of 2014.  This estimate represents a 9.7% increase from the estimated 68,800 (range between 57,600 and 80,000) at the end of 2011 (Table 2, Figure 3).  The estimated prevalence rate in Canada at the end of 2014 was 212 per 100,000 population (range between 178 and 246 per 100,000 population).

Of the estimated 75,500 people living with HIV in Canada at the end of 2014:

  • Nearly half (49.3%) acquired their infection through MSM exposure. The three other predominant exposure categories (IDU, heterosexual/non-endemic and heterosexual/endemic) comprised similar proportions of the remaining population of people living with HIV at the end of 2014.
  • Just under one in ten (9.1%) were Aboriginal people.  The estimate of 6,850 Aboriginal people living with HIV at the end of 2014 represents an increase of 12.1% from the 2011 estimate of 6,110.  Based on the estimate, the HIV prevalence rate for Aboriginal people in Canada in 2014 was 448 per 100,000 population (range of 360-537 per 100,000 population).
  • About one in five people living with HIV at the end of 2014 was female. The estimate of 16,880 females living with HIV (including AIDS) represents 22.4% of the national total. This proportion is similar to what was observed for 2011.

Undiagnosed HIV infections in Canada

Undiagnosed HIV infections represent the difference between (1) the total number of people living with HIV (diagnosed and undiagnosed), and (2) the total number of people living with diagnosed HIV.

The Agency estimates that 16,020 (range between 13,000 and 19,000) people were living with undiagnosed HIV in Canada at the end of 2014, representing 21% of all people living with HIV in Canada at that time.

This estimate was obtained as follows:

  • A total of 80,469 positive HIV tests have been reported to the Agency since testing began in November 1985 through December 31, 2014. After adjusting for underreporting, reporting delay and duplicates, we estimated that there were a cumulative total of 85,880 persons diagnosed with HIV or AIDS in Canada by the end of 2014. 
  • Of these, we further estimated that approximately 26,400 individuals with HIV had died by the end of 2014. 
  • Thus, there were an estimated 59,480 (that is, 85,880 minus 26,400) Canadians living with HIV infection by the end of 2014 who have been diagnosed and were therefore aware of their HIV status. 
  • Since there were an estimated 75,500 people living with HIV in Canada in 2014, the remaining 16,020 (75,500 minus 59,480) people were unaware of their HIV infection.

It is important to note that during the process of developing the 2014 estimates, we used updated data from earlier years and revised methods to adjust for under-reporting, reporting delay and duplicates. Applying the same methods retrospectively resulted in a similar proportion undiagnosed for 2011 (approximately 21%). Our method and data limitations do not allow us to detect any difference between the estimates for 2011 versus 2014, although a decrease may have occurred given that many jurisdictions have implemented programs to increase access to HIV testing. This is a particularly important area where better data would help improve the estimates.

The estimated proportion of people living with HIV who were undiagnosed (and therefore unaware of their HIV status) varied by exposure category: 

  • Amongst people whose HIV infection was acquired through MSM exposure, approximately 18% were unaware of their infection.
  • Amongst people whose HIV infection was acquired through IDU exposure, approximately 20% were unaware of their HIV infection.
  • Amongst those whose HIV infection was acquired through heterosexual contact (endemic and non-endemic combined), approximately 28% were unaware of their HIV-positive status. 

Conclusion

The 2014 estimates provide new insight into the evolving HIV trends in Canada, and comprise a key part of the evidence used to monitor the epidemic in Canada and to inform prevention and care programs.

Since new HIV treatments have reduced HIV mortality and new infections continue to occur at a rate greater than the number of deaths of people living with HIV, the overall number of Canadians living with HIV infection will likely continue to increase in the years to come. This will mean increased demand for HIV-related care and treatment for those living with and affected by HIV.

Looking at the trend since 2005, it appears that HIV incidence in Canada is declining; however, due to the wide ranges of uncertainty around the point estimates, it is difficult to determine if this is a true decline. Additional years of data are needed to determine whether the decline in HIV incidence is genuine or due to data variability.  

Similarly, there appears to be a decreasing trend in new infections attributed to IDU exposure as well as new infections attributed to heterosexual sex.  By contrast, there is no observable decline in the HIV incidence attributed to MSM exposure.

Aboriginal people and people from countries where HIV is endemic continue to be over-represented in Canada's HIV epidemic, highlighting the need for specific measures to address the unique aspects of certain populations and communities.  

At the end of 2014, an estimated 21% of the 75,500 individuals living with HIV in Canada were unaware of their infection.  These people are hidden from the health care and disease monitoring systems, and thus cannot take advantage of appropriate prevention, care and treatment services until they are tested and diagnosed.

Table 1. HIV incidence: Estimated number of new HIV infections and associated ranges of uncertainty in Canada in 2014 and 2011, by exposure category, sex and ethnicity/origin.
Category 2014 2011
Point estimate RangeFootnote Table 1* Percentage Point estimate RangeFootnote Table 1* Percentage
HIV exposure category
MSM 1,396 990-1,800 54.3% 1,416 1,030-1,800 50.6%
MSM-IDU 65 40-90 2.5% 73 50-100 2.6%
IDU 270 180-360 10.5% 384 270-500 13.7%
Heterosexual/
non- endemic
481 330-630 18.7% 531 380-680 19.0%
Heterosexual/
endemic
358 250-470 13.9% 396 280-510 14.1%
Others <20     <20    
Sex
Female 595 440-750 23.2% 663 480-850 23.7%
Male 1,975 1,550-2,400 76.8% 2,137 1,670-2,600 76.3%
Ethnicity/origin
Aboriginal 278 200-360 10.8% 349 250-450 12.5%
Non-Aboriginal 2,292 1,700-2,900 89.2% 2,451 1,900-3,000 87.5%
Total 2,570 1,940-3,200 100% 2,800 2,100-3,500 100%
Table 1 - Footnote 1

Range of uncertainty; range estimates are rounded to the nearest ten.

See Appendix 1 for exposure category definitions

Return to first footnote table 1* referrer

Table 2. HIV Prevalence: Estimated number of people living with HIV and associated ranges of uncertainty in Canada at the end of 2014 and 2011, by exposure category, sex and ethnicity/origin.
Category 2014 2011
Point estimate Range Table 2 - Footnote * Percentage Point estimate RangeTable 2 - Footnote * Percentage
HIV exposure category
MSM 37,230 31,000-43,500 49.3% 33,685 27,900-39,500 49.0%
MSM-IDU 2,400 1,800-3,000 3.2% 2,240 1,700-2,800 3.3%
IDU 11,560 9,500-13,600 15.3% 10,955 9,100-12,800 15.9%
Heterosexual/
non-endemic
12,340 10,000-14,600 16.3% 11,090 9,200-13,000 16.1%
Heterosexual/endemic 11,360 9,300-13,400 15.0% 10,185 8,400-12,000 14.8%
Others 610 400-800 0.8% 645 400-900 0.9%
Sex
Female 16,880 13,800-20,000 22.4% 15,240 12,500-18,000 22.2%
Male 58,620 48,200-69,000 77.6% 53,560 44,100-63,000 77.8%
Ethnicity/origin
Aboriginal 6,850 5,500-8,200 9.1% 6,110 5,000-7,200 8.9%
Non-Aboriginal 68,650 57,000-80,300 90.9% 62,690 52,100-73,300 91.1%
Total 75,500 63,400-87,600 100% 68,800 57,600-80,000 100%

See Appendix 1 for exposure category definitions

Figure 1. HIV incidence: Estimated number of new HIV infections in Canada for selected years (including range of uncertainty for point estimates).

Figure 1
Figure 1 - Description

This graph shows the point estimates of new HIV infections for selected years with each associated range of uncertainty for point estimates. The vertical axis shows the estimated number of new HIV infections per year, with the low and high ranges. The horizontal axis shows the selected years for which such estimates are available.

Figure 1. HIV incidence: Estimated number of new HIV infections in Canada for selected years (including range of uncertainty for point estimates).
Year low range point estimate high range
1975 1 1 10
1976 5 7 20
1977 30 40 60
1978 100 131 200
1979 300 362 500
1980 800 987 1100
1981 1810 2263 2716
1982 3212 4015 4818
1983 4258 5322 6386
1984 4357 5446 6535
1985 3865 4831 5797
1986 3334 4167 5000
1987 2925 3656 4387
1988 2623 3279 3935
1989 2386 2982 3578
1990 2208 2760 3312
1993 1967 2459 2951
1996 1937 2421 2905
1999 2110 2638 3166
2002 2633 3291 3949
2005 2753 3441 4129
2008 2520 3150 3780
2011 2100 2800 3500
2014 1940 2570 3200

Figure 2. Estimated number of new HIV infections in Canada for selected time periods and years, by exposure category (range of uncertainty omitted; for time periods, average annual estimates are shown).

Figure 2.Estimated number of new HIV infections in Canada for selected time periods and years, by exposure category (range of uncertainty omitted; for time periods, average annual estimates are shown).
Figure 2 description

This graph shows the estimated number of new HIV infections by exposure category for selected time period and years. In this graph, the ranges of uncertainty are omitted. For time periods, average annual estimates are shown. The vertical axis shows the point estimate for the number of new HIV infections. The horizontal axis shows the selected time period or years for which such estimates are available.

Figure 2. Estimated number of new HIV infections in Canada for selected time periods and years, by exposure category (range of uncertainty omitted; for time periods, average annual estimates are shown).
Time period MSM IDU Heterosexual/Non-endemic Heterosexual/Endemic
1981-83 3171 97 46 46
1984-86 3563 385 120 106
1987-90 1585 729 222 222
1996 968 799 278 230
1999 976 739 501 264
2002 1316 790 625 395
2005 1558 559 678 554
2008 1389 532 633 510
2011 1416 384 531 396
2014 1396 270 481 358

Figure 3. HIV Prevalence:  Estimated number of people living with HIV in Canada by year.

Figure 3. HIV Prevalence:  Estimated number of people living with HIV in Canada by year.
Figure 3 description

This graph shows estimated number of people living with HIV by year. The vertical axis shows point estimates for number of people living with HIV, along with the associated low estimate and high estimate. The horizontal axis shows the calendar years.

Figure 3. HIV Prevalence: Estimated number of people living with HIV in Canada by year.
Year low estimate point estimate high estimate
1975 0 1 2
1976 7 8 9
1977 40 48 56
1978 147 175 203
1979 428 510 592
1980 833 992 1151
1981 2696 3210 3724
1982 5279 6284 7289
1983 8268 9843 11418
1984 11697 13925 16153
1985 14658 17450 20242
1986 17170 20440 23710
1987 19110 22750 26390
1988 21479 25570 29661
1989 23519 27999 32479
1990 25203 30003 34803
1991 26573 31634 36695
1992 27639 32904 38169
1993 28444 33862 39280
1994 29001 34525 40049
1995 29467 35080 40693
1996 29793 35468 41143
1997 30563 36385 42207
1998 31764 37814 43864
1999 33210 39536 45862
2000 34840 41476 48112
2001 36525 43482 50439
2002 38517 45853 53189
2003 40730 48488 56246
2004 43005 51197 59389
2005 45340 53976 62612
2006 47594 56659 65724
2007 49855 59351 68847
2008 52044 61957 71870
2009 54136 64448 74760
2010 56034 66707 77380
2011 57770 68800 79790
2012 59985 71411 82837
2013 61731 73489 85247
2014 63400 75500 87600

Appendix 1

HIV exposure categories used for HIV case surveillance and estimation process for HIV incidence, prevalence and proportion undiagnosed.
Exposure category classification Type of exposure
Men who have had sex with men (MSM) During male-to-male sex
Injection drug use (IDU) During use of injection drugs
MSM-IDU During either male-to-male sex and/or the use of injection drugs  - used in instances where both exposures were reported for one person
Heterosexual/endemic Exposure during heterosexual sex and born in a country where HIV is endemicFootnote *
Heterosexual/non-endemic Exposure during heterosexual sex and born in Canada or in a country not on the HIV-endemic list
Other Exposure attributed to receipt of transfusion of blood or clotting factor, perinatal exposure, or occupational exposure

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