Under the Federal Initiative to Address HIV/AIDS in Canada and the Hepatitis C Prevention, Support and Research Program, the Agency currently manages separate funding programs to support the community response to HIV and hepatitis C. The projects under these programs are in the process of being extended for three years, from April 1, 2014 – March 31, 2017. At the end of these three years, HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis C Grants and Contributions funding, at both the regional and national levels, will be integrated into a proposed new HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis C Community Action Fund. The overall $26.2 million funding envelope for these community programs will remain the same.
The Agency is currently engaged in planning the move toward the HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis C Community Action Fund. The first step was the extension of contribution agreements to ensure that the community response is sustained over the next three years. In 2013 the Agency discussed the outline of the new fund with key national and regional stakeholders including, as one component, a proposed new delivery model. After due consideration, the Agency has determined that the delivery model as envisioned may not be a viable and cost effective option, nor the right fit for all provinces and regions. As a result, the Community Planning process intended to support the development of the delivery model has been put on hold. Over the next few months the Agency will explore other approaches that would reduce the number of contribution agreements it manages, while continuing to ensure that the overall funding for community work remains the same.
The Agency will continue to engage and support community organizations during the transition to the integrated approach and the implementation of the proposed new Fund, still intended to be in place by April 1, 2017.
Sincerely,
Marsha Hay Snyder
Director, Programs and Partnerships
Centre for Communicable Diseases and Infection Control