Ontario’s Priority Populations

It is estimated that just over 16,000 people were living with HIV in Ontario in 2018. Most of these individuals are part of five population groups, which are referred to as Ontario’s HIV priority populations. These priority populations include:

• Gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, including trans men
• African, Caribbean and Black communities—including men and women from regions where HIV is endemic
• Indigenous peoples
• People (men and women) who inject drugs or share drug equipment
• Women* = Cis and Trans women, including women from the above populations, and other women who face systemic and social inequities, and are more likely to be exposed to HIV through a sexual or drug using partner.

Ontario data shows that individuals from these populations are at greatest risk. Ontario’s HIV prevention and testing programs focus on effective outreach and support to these populations.