Grant: HIV/AIDS & STBBI Clinical Trials Research Network - Phase 2

HIV and sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections (STBBIs) rates in the Prairie provinces have been the highest in Canada for over a decade and show no signs of slowing. People of Indigenous ancestry, women of childbearing age, those involved in street life, and people who use drugs represent the most at-risk and overrepresented demographics for transmission and poorer health outcomes across the country. Barriers and care gaps, ongoing intergenerational trauma, mental health issues, addictions, mistreatment in the healthcare system, and unmet socio-economic needs complicate HIV and STBBI prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Despite a critical need, resource constraints and limited training in the Prairie region result in underrepresentation in clinical trials for priority populations that could explore solutions to improve access to prevention and care. Creating enhanced capacity for community and peer-led interventions can help close gaps and improve clinical outcomes. Peer mentors and those with lived expertise will form the foundation of the Strengthening Prairies Integrated Knowledge Exchange (SPIKE) hub for training and capacity building, helping researchers and care providers better understand the interplay between HIV & STBBI transmission rates and intersecting syndemic factors, including trauma, colonialism, mental health, substance dependency, history of abuse and violence, unmet social determinants of health, and basic needs insecurity. Shared knowledge and experiences will be the foundation for facilitating responsive interventions and community-grounded clinical trials aimed at addressing the HIV and STBBI syndemics impacting priority populations across Canada.