Grant: Project Grant

In 2021 and 2022, Manitoba saw the highest numbers of new HIV and STBBI infections ever recorded, while simultaneously experiencing declining linkage to care and decreasing viral suppression. Women who inject methamphetamine and experience houselessness are disproportionately affected by HIV and concurrent sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections (STBBI) in Manitoba. The pan-Canadian STBBI framework for action aims to reduce new infections and reinfections by concentrating efforts on prevention, testing, treatment, and support, focusing on key populations. At the same time, the CIHR HIV/AIDS and STBBI Research Initiative Strategic Plan: 2022-2027 highlights that "an intersectional lens is required as people may belong to multiple groups". Grounded in epidemiological, social, and clinical sciences, Indigenous ways of knowing and sharing, and an intersectional health equity approach, and using quantitative surveys and in-depth interviews with these populations, this study will generate a comprehensive and systematic understanding of the knowledge, attitudes and practices about HIV and other sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections among (1) people living with HIV and people who face disproportionate risk of acquiring HIV/STBBI (people experiencing houselessness, people who inject drugs); and (2) health and service providers in Manitoba. This grant directly focuses on key populations disproportionately affected by HIV/AIDS and aligns with the CIHR HIV/STBBI Research Initiative.