OAN member, the AIDS Committee of Toronto (ACT) is a historic agency in the HIV sector. It is the country’s first AIDS Service Organization (ASO) and a pillar of support for people living with HIV in Toronto. We are saddened to learn about ACT’s upcoming closure. We send our deepest appreciation and thanks to all the staff, volunteers, and leaders who dedicated themselves to this work.

In this significant moment, it is crucial that this closure not be misinterpreted as a sign that HIV is no longer an issue.

With the inaccessibility of medications, miseducation and stigma of HIV, a rise in service users and complex needs, it is very clear: HIV service organizations remain essential, and the pressure on them is rising.

Thank you to OAN network members for providing statistics and information.