Post by : Raman

After 42 years of dedicated service, the AIDS Committee of Toronto (ACT), Canada’s oldest HIV service organization, has announced it will close its doors in 2025. Founded in 1983, ACT has been a crucial lifeline for people living with HIV during a time when the disease carried heavy stigma, long-term illness, and high mortality. Its closure marks the end of an era, reflecting both the remarkable progress in HIV treatment and the ongoing challenges faced by HIV organizations in Canada.

Progress in HIV Treatment Reduces Demand

ACT says the decision to close comes after significant advances in medical care for HIV. With new treatments and preventive measures, people living with HIV now experience longer, healthier lives. Many of ACT’s service users are over 55, showing how HIV has shifted from being a life-threatening illness to a manageable chronic condition for many.

Executive Director Ryan Lisk explained, “It felt like it’s the right time for us to step back and pass the torch to organizations that better meet today’s needs. The focus has changed to affordable medications, long-term health management, and mental health support.”

Financial Challenges and Funding Gaps

While demand for traditional services has decreased, ACT also faces financial pressures. Over the years, federal, provincial, and municipal funding levels have remained mostly unchanged, even as the cost of providing services has increased. Donations, once a strong source of support, have also sharply declined. In 2003, ACT raised $3.6 million through donations and fundraising. In 2025, this is projected to drop below $300,000.

Lisk noted, “COVID-19 and the rising cost of living hit non-profits hard. Many organizations like ours are struggling to raise funds, even as the need continues.”

New Approaches to HIV Care

Organizations such as HQ Health Hub in Toronto are now better equipped to meet current needs. These centers provide comprehensive care, including in-house HIV and sexually transmitted infection testing, mental health support, and social services. Dr. Kevin Woodward, executive director of HQ Health Hub, emphasized, “HIV is now managed as a chronic disease with daily medication. But many people, especially newcomers and aging populations, still face barriers to care and medications.”

ACT’s closure highlights the need for such specialized services. With an aging population of long-term survivors who have experienced trauma and stigma, comprehensive support is more critical than ever.

Rising HIV Cases in Canada

Despite medical progress, Canada has seen an increase in new HIV cases. Statistics Canada reported a 35% jump in 2023 compared to the previous year. The increase disproportionately affects marginalized communities, showing that HIV prevention and awareness remain urgent public health priorities.

Lisk warned, “HIV isn’t on the public radar the way it was in the 1980s, 1990s, or early 2000s. The disease is still here, silently affecting communities. We need more awareness and community-led support.”

Community Response and Concerns

The closure of ACT has sparked concern among advocates. Shamin Mohamed Jr., founder and president of LetsStopAIDS, Canada’s largest youth-led HIV charity, described the moment as “heartbreaking.” He highlighted Canada’s high rate of new HIV infections, the highest among G7 countries, and stressed that this is “not the time to reduce support for community-led initiatives.”

Mohamed added, “Organizations like ACT are vital. Community-led movements have always been at the frontlines of the HIV epidemic. Losing such a historic organization is a big loss for Canada.”

A Legacy of Advocacy and Support

Over its 42-year history, ACT has played a central role in supporting people living with HIV, advocating for their rights, and reducing stigma. From offering practical health services to community outreach and education, ACT has been a pillar of the Canadian HIV response.

The closure serves as a reminder of both the progress achieved and the work still needed. While HIV is now more manageable than ever, access to care, affordable medication, mental health support, and public awareness remain crucial. Organizations that adapt to these changing needs, like HQ Health Hub, are stepping into the role of providing modern HIV care, ensuring the fight against the disease continues.

ACT’s decision to close is a significant moment in Canada’s public health landscape. It reflects the evolution of HIV treatment, shifts in community needs, and the financial realities of running non-profit organizations. As Canada faces rising new cases, the need for accessible, comprehensive HIV services has never been more urgent.

Ryan Lisk concluded, “It’s time for the next generation of organizations to take up the work. HIV is still here, and communities still need support. Our hope is that this transition strengthens the services available and ensures no one is left behind.”

ACT’s legacy will remain as a testament to resilience, advocacy, and the tireless support of people living with HIV in Canada over four decades. Its closure marks both an end and a new beginning for the country’s ongoing fight against HIV.

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