Deep Cuts Causing Crisis
Many community organizations providing services for Canadians living with HIV or Hep C have had their funding partially or completely cut. The federal government recently pledged $804 million to international efforts on AIDS, malaria and TB and here in Canada it’s turned into a catastrophe with community organizations having their funding reduced and in many cases completely discontinued.
Too Much and Too Fast
After reading dozens of responses to various Facebook posts on the topic, it appears many were expecting changes in time and gradual change to ensure those in need receive the help they deserve, but it is the consensus that this is far more than the community can adequately deal with. People living with HIV or Hep C who rely on funds from PHAC will have worse outcomes predicts the CAF.
HIV and Hep C Community Action Fund: Crisis and Shock
The HIV and Hepatitis C Community Action Fund (CAF) has written to the Minister of Health, The Honourable Jane Philpott to request a meeting to discuss issues facing the community as a result of funding changes developed by the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC), that are devastating to member and non member organizations.
The CAF states in their letter that a “lack of transparency in reporting which projects will be funded” has lead to confusion. The letter goes on to say the PHAC is asking organizations that have had funding reduced to share their reduced funding with other organizations in order to ensure that services are not cut. The CAF says that two organizations sharing a single source of funding is misguided.
Link to PDF of full letter from CAF to Minister Philpott here. http://www.cdnaids.ca/wp-content/uploads/letter-to-MOH-FINAL.pdf
