Target Client Populations

AIDS Vancouver Island’s programs and services are located along a continuum
of risk reduction. At one end of the continuum is risk reduction directed to
the general population. This is also known as universal primary prevention and
its purpose is to inform the general public about the facts of HIV, Hepatitis
C and other co-infections; behaviours and attitudes that place people at risk
of infection; and safer sex and safer drug use.

At the mid-point of the continuum is risk reduction directed to population
groups that are highly vulnerable to HIV, Hepatitis C and other co-infections.
Vulnerability can be attributed to variety of factors, including but not limited
to age, gender, ability, physical and/or mental health, culture or ethnicity,
socioeconomic status, sexual orientation, serostatus, risk behaviour and/or
risk condition. This type of risk reduction demands a greater understanding
of attitudes and norms within population groups, including power relationships
and the context of sexuality and addictions, as well as attitudes of the dominant
society towards the groups.

In BC and on Vancouver Island, the number of new infections continues to be
highest among gay men and other men who have sex with men and injection drug
users. The epidemic is growing most rapidly among women, youth and Aboriginal
people and/or First Nations, particularly among those who are involved in the
sex trade.

At the other end of the continuum is risk reduction directed to people who
are living with HIV and/or Hepatitis C and other co-infections. This involves
strategies to minimize health complications HIV, Hepatitis C and other co-infections,
and to maximize the life span of those living with the diseases. This type of
risk reduction requires an understanding of the role of the client in managing
their infection. It also requires an understanding of the episodic nature of
the diseases, the complexity of monitoring medication management, the complications
of drug therapies, and the stigma and discrimination associated with living
HIV and/or Hepatitis C and other co-infections.

It is understood that no single program or service can effectively address
the risk reduction needs of all three groups: the general population, vulnerable
sub-populations and people living with HIV and/or Hepatitis C and other co-infections.
Instead, programs and services at AIDS Vancouver Island are designed, delivered
and evaluated on the basis of meeting the specific risk reduction needs of specific
groups of people.