A group of doctors in Saskatchewan recently called for a medical state of emergency over the rates of AIDS and HIV in the province.

Dr. Denise Werker, Deputy Chief Medical Health Officer for the province, responded to those statements in front of media yesterday afternoon in Regina.

Dr. Werker says there is no such term as a "medical state of emergency", but that they are still treating the HIV rates seriously.

"We are well aware that we have the highest rates in Canada. Everyone agrees that this is not acceptable - but this can not be fixed overnight.

HIV is often the result of complex social issues. A common risk factor in our province is injection drug use - prevention efforts are key to addressing this problem.

We regularly review and revise our approach and we always welcome broad input from interested individuals," she said.

Dr. Werker also explains due to advancements in treatment, the numbers are decreasing.

"Testing has increased and efforts to reduce stigma are beginning to take hold. Of note, last year we also had a decrease in the number of reported cases of AIDS - this trend continues in 2016.

This means that people are getting tested earlier and they're getting treatment sooner," she said.

Werker says she understands the doctors are hoping to accomplish added awareness and funding, but that she is unable to declare any situation that is not an officially recognized term.