Category: Advocacy, Policy, Public Health

Effect of opioid-substitution therapy and mental health counseling on HIV risk among hepatitis C-infected individuals

Posted On: Monday, November 19th, 2018

This was originally published on SmartSex Resource.  by Dr. Zahid Butt, University of British Columbia and BC Centre for Disease Control Background Hepatitis C virus (HCV) and HIV infection commonly co-occur because of shared transmission routes and risk behaviors. HIV infection among individuals living with HCV is a major predictor of morbidity and mortality. Risk factors… Read more »

Risk of sexual transmission of human immunodeficiency virus with antiretroviral therapy, suppressed viral load and condom use: a systematic review

Posted On: Monday, November 19th, 2018

This is an excerpt from a longer article that appears in the November 19, 2018 edition of the Canadian Medical Assocation Journal. by Jennifer LeMessurier, Gregory Traversy, Olivia Varsaneux, Makenzie Weekes, Marc T. Avey, Oscar Niragira, Robert Gervais, Gordon Guyatt and Rachel Rodin CMAJ November 19, 2018 190 (46) E1350-E1360; DOI: https://doi.org/10.1503/cmaj.180311    Abstract Background:… Read more »

2018 Findings report: Canadians’ Awareness, Knowledge and Attitudes Related to STBBI

Posted On: Friday, November 16th, 2018

In 2018, the Centre for Communicable Diseases and Infection Control (CCDIC) commissioned EKOS Research Associates Inc. to conduct a survey asking Canadians questions about their awareness, knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors related to sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections (STBBI). The 2018 survey builds on similar surveys conducted for the Public Health Agency of Canada in 2003,… Read more »

Support a National Action Plan to Advance the Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights of Women Living with HIV

Posted On: Wednesday, November 14th, 2018

      Dear Colleagues, The collaborating partners for the Canadian Webinar Series on Implementing the WHO Guideline on Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights of Women Living with HIV are thrilled to invite you to offer your input and insight into the development of a national action plan to advance the sexual and reproductive health and rights of women living with… Read more »

World AIDS Day and Aboriginal AIDS Awareness Week Calendar

Posted On: Tuesday, November 13th, 2018

Our 2018 calender is live!  Each year we gather information about events for World AIDS Day and Aboriginal AIDS Awareness Week. This year’s calendar is live and will be updated on a regular basis. If you’d like to submit an item, please include the following information: 1) Event name; 2) Organizer; 3) Date and time; 4)… Read more »

Substance Use News: Life Expectancy, Harm Reduction and a Worrisome New Drug in Sight

Posted On: Friday, November 9th, 2018

The public health emergency declared in BC in April 2016 as a response to the climbing rate of overdose deaths has not come close to ending, and efforts to slow it down are still running behind despite tireless and compassionate work by people on the frontlines. Below are some highlights on public health impact, harm… Read more »

On-Demand HIV Testing Available in Interior Health

Posted On: Friday, November 9th, 2018

Thanks to Men’s Health Initiative for sharing this piece.  Getting tested for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) just got easier for residents across the Interior Health (IH) region, now that On Demand testing is available at all IH laboratories. As of today, patients can visit any IH lab and get an HIV test without having to… Read more »

Submit Your Abstract for CAHR 2019

Posted On: Friday, November 9th, 2018

Abstract deadline updated December 21, 2018 Abstract submissions are now being accepted for the 28th Annual Canadian Conference on HIV/AIDS Research (CAHR 2019) Topics fall under CAHR’s four tracks: Basic Sciences, Clinical Sciences, Epidemiology and Public Health Sciences and Social Sciences. An additional oral abstract session will once again be offered with a focus on… Read more »

Webinar: Experiences of fighting sexually transmitted and blood-borne infection (STBBI) related stigma in African newcomer communities

Posted On: Friday, November 9th, 2018

Join the Canadian Public Health Association for the webinar Experiences of fighting sexually transmitted and blood-borne infection (STBBI) related stigma in African newcomer communities. It will be presented by Simret Daniel and Babou Kinkumba from Sexuality Education Resource Centre. During this interactive webinar, gain insight on the stigma related to STBBIs experienced by African newcomer communities,… Read more »

Have Your Say: Tell Canada to Stop Criminalizing People Who Use Drugs

Posted On: Monday, November 5th, 2018

From the Canadian HIV/AIDS Legal Network    Health Canada has launched a consultation on strengthening Canada’s approach to substance use issues. The purpose of this consultation is to ask Canadians for new and innovative ideas on how to further strengthen the federal government’s health-focused approach to substance use issues through the Canadian Drugs and Substances… Read more »

Call for Members of BC Community Advisory Board

Posted On: Monday, November 5th, 2018

Are you interested in making a positive change to how testing for sexually transmitted and blood borne infections (STBBI) is delivered in your community? Join our BC Community Advisory Board!   What is GetCheckedOnline (GCO)? GetCheckedOnline is an internet based STBBI testing service developed by the BC Centre for Disease Control. GCO allows you to… Read more »