The Toronto Hospital Immunodeficiency Clinic provides medical care for HIV/AIDS, and
counselling to deal with related psychological , social, nutritional and spiritual concerns. We established the first team of HIV specialists in 1983, and have continued to grow to meet increasing needs.
Today our commitment continues in a state-of-the-art clinic where 28 multi-disciplinary staff provide services to many hundreds of patients each year, making us the largest HIV
clinic in Ontario. In addition to providing comprehensive care, the Immunodeficiency Clinic, through its research programmes, is constantly seeking new methods of treatments, and ways of improving and
prolonging patients' lives. Someday, we anticipate our work may help find cures for the illnesses related to HIV.
HIV / AIDS research
AIDS is the most serious form of illness caused by a virus known as the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). HIV
attacks the immune system, infiltrating and destroying the white blood cells which are responsible for fighting disease.
In its weakened state, the body's defenses become vulnerable to a variety of infections and cancers. Over time, these diseases wear down the body's defenses, ultimately causing death.
The Toronto Hospital Immunodeficiency Clinic currently carries out many studies which we hope will provide new insight into the prevention and treatment of AIDS-related conditions.
Clinical Research
Research in this area includes testing new drugs in order to prevent or treat AIDS and associated infections. These new
agents may increase longevity and quality of life for infected persons. Clinical research may be critical to neutralizing the effects of HIV infection and preventing disease progression.
Basic science research
The Toronto Hospital conducts basic science research in a laboratory-based setting. Our scientists generate original
ideas about mechanisms whereby HIV replicates and leads to active disease. This research is essential to the development of new drugs and vaccines.
Epidemiological research
Epidemiological research looks at the occurrence and spread of HIV and related illnesses in various groups. We need this information so that we can plan medical and preventative educational strategies.
Psychosocial research
Psychosocial research assesses the effects of HIV on depression, anxiety, sexual functioning, general quality of life and
the effectiveness of various counselling methods. These efforts can improve the daily life of those living with HIV / AIDS and may possibly improve immune function.
Share our vision of a world without AIDS
The widening tragedy of illness and lost lives has touched too many who we care about: friends, lovers, family, business
associates, those infected and affected by AIDS. We all share a vision of one day living in a world without AIDS. But to
have that vision realized we will need better research and care - sooner rather than later.
Help put the Immunodeficiency Clinic out of business!
We want to get out of the AIDS business. But we can't do that until there is a cure for this deadly epidemic. This will
take financial resources to fund new research and to sustain good patient care...so that one day soon we can all live in an AIDS-free world.
Give your support
Demonstrate your vision of a world without AIDS by making a donation to our work. Grants received from governments
go only to pay the basic costs of running our clinic. We are turning to friends like you to ask for help to fund our
reseaarch and treatment programmes, which are not covered by government grants, so we can keep on improving our
methods of treatment and patient care and, ultimately, find cures. Donations of any amount are welcome and receipts
for income tax purposes will be issued for all gifts. Please make your donation payable to the:
Immunodeficiency Clinic Research Fund and forward to:
The Toronto Hospital Foundation
585 University Avenue
Toronto, ON M5G 2C4
Telephone: (416) 340-3935
Gifts may take the form of cash, stocks, bonds, property or bequests under Wills.
If you would like to obtain information about making a bequest, please contact the Foundation directly at (416) 340-3935.
