(UNAIDS 2002). These are startling figures that no doubt impress upon any global policy maker to try to do more to help find a cure. In the meantime, the media has helped to ensure that the vast majority of global citizens are educated on and aware of the threat posed by this merciless virus.

It is estimated by UNAIDS that close to 55 000 Canadians are presently infected with HIV. The disease that was once labeled the “gay man’s disease” no longer discriminates, everyone person who chooses to become sexually active risks exposure. Although reported HIV cases have ceased to increase in recent years across our country, certain social groups in our communities instead have witnessed a steady elevation within their populations. This essay will attempt to prove that societal marginalization and discrimination against aboriginals, drug injection users and gays have contributed to the steady rise of HIV infection rates and diminished the effectiveness of health promotion initiatives within these groups.

The economic and social power imbalance between Aboriginal

It was a philosophy and a practice that minimizes harm and increases the health and quality of life of the individual. It recognizes that each individual is the expert on his or her life. Harm reduction respects the individual's decisions regarding their personal health and endeavors to minimize any harm resulting from those decisions to the individual, their family and/or, caregivers and the larger community. It can be defined as follows:

The destruction of Aboriginal culture by European colonialists had a deep, de-moralizing effect on their people. Many Aboriginals also endured physical and sexual abuse after being sent to residential schools for assimilation purposes. Presently, there are much higher incidences of substance abuse and sexual violence within their population than national averages, increasing their odds yet again of becoming infected with the virus. In addition, health services provided for Aboriginals on reserves is often not equal to the level of care Non-Aboriginals receive. Community leaders need to rally together and demand that the federal government provide a more comprehensive, culturally sensitive outreach program emphasizing the importance of condoms, HIV testing and addiction counseling because without it, HIV infection rates will only continue to rise.

An intergenerational gap between old and young gay men will often keep most mentor type friendship from ever formulating.

It should be clear now why more effective aids prevention programs have been

The fact that sex as it pertains to homosexuals including the potential risks involved has never been taught in school only compounds the problem for most young gay males.

Some topics in this essay:
Health Canada, , North America, Society Poor, Health Welfare, HIV Allard, Neil McKeganey, Non-Aboriginals Canada, Canada Aboriginals, injection users, drug injectors, drug injection, drug injection users, Aids Study, gay males, personal health endeavors, increases health, minimizes harm, harm increases, quality life, life individual, endeavors minimize harm, health endeavors minimize, outreach program, harm resulting decisions,