VANCOUVER - St. Paul’s Hospital has shut down its dedicated AIDS ward, saying they no longer have enough patients — and the end of AIDS is in sight.

Ward 10C opened in February 1997 during the peak of the HIV and AIDS epidemic in Vancouver, when approximately one person was dying of AIDS every day. Earlier diagnosis of HIV, along with advances in treatment and care, has resulted in a significant decrease of AIDS. Patients living with HIV will continue to receive world-leading treatment and care. The focus of the ward will include treatment related to addictions such as various bacterial and viral infections like chronic hepatitis.

“It was not that long ago that HIV/AIDS was a death sentence and those who came to this ward at St. Paul’s were here to die,” said Dr. Julio Montaner, director for the BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS. “Today, ward 10C will provide treatment, support and care for those living with HIV-related issues. We have worked hard to make this day happen and I commend everyone who has supported our efforts.”

B.C. is considered a world-leader in the fight against HIV/AIDS, with innovative programs that have reduced HIV/AIDS-related deaths by mor ethan 80 per cent since 1996.

UN under-secretary and executive director for UNAIDS Michel Sidibé, who attended this morning’s press conference, also announced that Montaner has agreed to serve as senior advisor on HIV to the executive director of UNAIDS.

“This is a proud day for British Columbians as we mark another milestone in our leadership in the fight against HIV/AIDS,” said Premier Christy Clark. “Thanks to the dedicated efforts of the community, those at the BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS and health professionals across the province, a ward that once served those dying from AIDS, now supports those living with HIV.”

There's been a 90 per cent drop in AIDS cases in B.C. since 1995 and an 80 per cent decrease in HIV-related mortality between 1996 and 2012.

With files from Canadian Press