An HIV researcher says the life expectancy of infected individuals who get treatment has improved dramatically, but he is not sure why the numbers are lower for the Aboriginal population.
Dr. Robert Hogg says the average life expectancy is now about 65 for someone diagnosed with the HIV virus. Back in the 1960’s, it was pretty much a death sentence.
Hogg attributes the longer life span to early treatment and early diagnoses.
He says the life expectancy is still lower for women, injection drug users and First Nations people. Hogg says access to care could be a factor for the First Nations community.
“So there needs to be a systematic plan to ensure there are no differentials in access to anti-retroviral therapy in any province for people of Aboriginal ancestory,” he says.
The cost to treat someone who is HIV positive is $10,000 – $15,000 a year. Hogg says while that may seem like a lot, it actually saves money in the long haul.
“I think the thing is not to focus too much on the cost,” he says. “I think the thing to focus on is treating the individuals. It is sort of like a mortgage or life insurance — if you pay in earlier on you are going to receive the benefits later on.”
Hogg has been awarded a $6.5-million grant for further studies on HIV and AIDS across Canada, including Saskatchewan. He would like to see a national HIV strategy.