One of the longest running AIDS Walks in Canada is Sunday in Saskatoon.  It will be the 30th annual and is one of the few AIDS walks in Canada as well as the longest running according to Saskatoon City Councillor Hilary Gough. The walk is hosted by OUTSaskatoon, Saskatoon Sexual Health and Prairie Harm Reduction.

Gough highlighted the walks at the recent City of Saskatoon council meeting by also reviewing some of the latest HIV/AIDS statistics in Saskatchewan.  In 2021 the new diagnosis rate in Saskatchewan was five times the national average and the overall HIV rate is two to three times the national average.

She says, “We have a crisis in our community of HIV and AIDS which is different and more prevalent than anywhere else in the country.” OutSaskatoon’s website says the high rates are fueled by injection drug use.

Proceeds support direct services for people living with and impacted by HIV/AIDS. This includes programming and support services, education and resources, and operating Saskatchewan’s first safe-consumption site. The walk begins at 1:30 Sunday afternoon in Victoria Park.