Research teams to advance science and develop new treatment approaches
MONTREAL, Nov. 28, 2013 /CNW/ - The Honourable Rona Ambrose, Minister of Health, today announced funding for new research that aims to find a cure for HIV and contribute to the global effort to put an end to AIDS.
"Our Government remains committed to improving the health and quality of life for Canadians living with HIV/AIDS", said Minister Ambrose. "Scientific evidence is growing indicating that the time to increase our efforts in the search for a cure is now. The research announced today will make an important contribution to the global effort to find a cure for HIV."
Today's announcement includes funding for two research projects:
The projects are funded through the Canadian Initiative for HIV Cure Research, a partnership between the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), the Canadian Foundation for AIDS Research (CANFAR) and the International AIDS Society (IAS). The initiative is aligned with the priorities of Towards an HIV Cure, a global scientific strategy led by the IAS.
"There are huge personal, societal and economic costs to the global HIV epidemic", said Dr. Marc Ouellette, Scientific Director for the CIHR Institute of Infection and Immunity. "Finding a cure is critical to turning the tide and bringing an end to AIDS. Canadian researchers have much to contribute to this global effort and we are proud to be supporting these new research projects with our partners".
"Finding a cure for HIV and AIDS is within reach and together with our partners, we have an opportunity to support a global research initiative dedicated to that purpose," says Christopher Bunting, President and Chief Executive Officer, CANFAR. "With HIV on the rise it is more important than ever to end AIDS globally and we know that through research and collaboration, we have a chance to bring this epidemic to its knees."
"This new initiative is very welcome. CIHR has been involved in the IAS Towards an HIV cure initiative since it was launched and this is a further sign of Canada's strong commitment in this field of HIV science. Increased funding for research as well as international collaborations are crucial if we are to develop as fast as possible a strategy to cure HIV or at least induce a permanent remission of the infection. I salute the partners of this new project that will surely bring further data to advance our quest to find a cure for HIV", said Francoise Barré-Sinoussi, President of the International AIDS Society.
This investment complements the Government's ongoing commitment to supporting research through the Federal Initiative to Address HIV/AIDS in Canada and the Canadian HIV Vaccine Initiative, a partnership with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, which contributes to the global effort to develop a safe, effective and globally accessible HIV vaccine.
About the CIHR
The Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) is the Government of Canada's health research investment agency. CIHR's mission is to create new scientific knowledge and to enable its translation into improved health, more effective health services and products, and a strengthened health care system for Canadians. Composed of 13 Institutes, CIHR provides leadership and support to more than 12,600 health researchers and trainees across Canada. www.cihr-irsc.gc.ca
ABOUT CANFAR
The Canadian Foundation for AIDS Research is Canada's only independent charitable foundation dedicated to eliminating HIV and AIDS through research. By funding promising Canadian AIDS research and spreading awareness through education campaigns, CANFAR is working to end AIDS globally. Visit www.CANFAR.com for more information.
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Image with caption: "Health Minister Rona Ambrose speaks with Mr. Robert Reinhard, a man living with HIV, following the announcement of funding for research to cure HIV on November 28, 2013 in Montreal. (CNW Group/Canadian Institutes of Health Research)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20131128_C5815_PHOTO_EN_34066.jpg
SOURCE: Canadian Institutes of Health Research
Michael Bolkenius, Office of the Honourable Minister Ambrose, 613-957-0200
Véronique Perron, CIHR Media Relations, 613-941-4563 Cell: 613-277-8045
Ashley Zacarias, Weber Shandwick (CANFAR), [email protected], 416-642-7961
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