Grant: Planning and Dissemination Grant - Institute Community Support

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a serious public health problem that has historically been decreasing worldwide. However, estimates from 2021 suggest that compared to the rest of Canada, prevalence rates of HIV are on the rise in Manitoba and Saskatchewan (MB/SK), with MB rates at 4 times the national average. Across these provinces, the sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections (STBBI), such as HIV, disproportionately impact Indigenous populations with women and gender-diverse individuals more affected than men. Globally, research on HIV suggests that social and structural vulnerabilities increase the risk of STBBI acquisition. Moreover, marginalized communities in Canada experience intersecting stigmas and health inequalities that impact their ability to access HIV testing and treatment. Among Manitobans living with HIV, recent research suggests that complex trauma, houselessness, polysubstance use, discrimination, and stigma significantly impact individuals' ability to access HIV treatment. Recently, Manitobans living with HIV have identified lack of adequate mental health care as the most important barrier to HIV treatment adherence after housing. However, little research attention has been paid to addressing the mental health concerns of individuals living with HIV in MB/SK. We endeavour to plan and co-create community consultations with the MB/SK HIV community, researchers, and trainees to understand mental health research and treatment priorities for individuals diagnosed with HIV in MB/SK. The team is composed of MB/SK-based researchers and community partners with extensive experience with individuals with HIV. These consultations will co-create and co-develop a grant proposal, based on community needs and priorities, to seek future funding.