The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) attacks the body’s immune system and can develop into AIDS.

Once infected it results in the progressive destruction of CD4+ T lymphocytes. These cells are crucial to the normal function of the human immune system. Persons with HIV infection and a low immune system will eventually develop AIDS.

The number of Canadians living with HIV infection continues to increase. According to 2014 estimates, 75,500 Canadians were living with HIV at the end of that year, yet 20% of them were unaware.