That the incidence of HIV infection among Aboriginal intravenous drug users in Vancouver is double that of non-Aboriginals, as reported by Kevin Craib and associates,1 is an appalling statistic that reflects on the HIV policy-makers in this province. Although the implicit message in this article is the need to search for new strategies to deal with the problem (such as harm reduction and safe injection sites), some of the answers appear glaringly obvious.
In December of last year the BC Centre for Disease Control published 2 schedules of reportable diseases in British Columbia:2 those reportable by all sources and those reportable by laboratories only. The first schedule listed over 80 conditions, from anthrax to yellow fever, and schedule B listed infections caused by a wide variety of organisms. HIV was not on either list!
Fortunately, the situation has changed recently, and HIV infection is now reportable.3 But this will not make up for lost opportunities to stem the spread of this infection in British Columbia.
James E. Parker Pediatrician (retired) Abbotsford, BC