Today is World AIDS Day, and there’s an event in St. John’s to mark the occasion.

The AIDS Committee of Newfoundland and Labrador says rates of HIV infection across the country have increased dramatically. It says the most recent data, from 2023, shows a 35 per cent increase in new HIV infections, and the highest rates of transmission in over a decade.

Newfoundland and Labrador is no exception according to the committee. In 2023, the province saw 19 new cases of the virus, followed by 11 new cases last year.

Thrive and the AIDS Committee will have resources available today from 10-2, and blood tests will be available from the NLHS Harm Reduction Nursing Team.