The Canadian national AIDS program

Canada's federal AIDS program is orchestrated by the Federal Center for AIDS (FCA), created in 1987. The Center is made up of six bureaus: Program Analysis and Resources, the focal point for policy and program development; AIDS Prevention and Services Program, which focuses on education, liason with health care workers and community groups, and the psychosocial aspects of the epidemic; AIDS Epidemiology and Surveillance, which monitors trends and assesses the extent of the disease; Laboratories and Research, which provides reference services for laboratories engaged in HIV screening and diagnosis, and collaborates with national and international researchers; External Cooperation, which promotes international collaboration in AIDS research, policy, and programs; and Clinical Studies, which promotes studies on drugs and vaccines. The fight against AIDS is also assisted by the National Health Research and Development Program, provincial and territorial governments, and community-based support groups.