Grant: O.G: STBBI Res.: Beyond HIV/AIDS/Hep. C- STBBI other than HIV/hep. C (general)

In 2021 and 2022, Manitoba (MB) saw the highest numbers of new HIV and sexually- transmitted and blood-borne infections (STBBI) infections ever recorded, while simultaneously experiencing decreasing linkage to care and decreasing viral suppression. Canada reported that in 2021 the number of syphilis was 729% higher for females and 96% for males, and the number of babies born with syphilis increased by 1,271%, compared to 2017. Women who inject methamphetamine (meth) and experience houselessness are disproportionately affected by syphilis, HIV and other concurrent STBBI in MB. The CIHR HIV/AIDS and STBBI Research Initiative Strategic Plan: 2022-2027 highlights that research should study social, societal and individual factors as people may belong to multiple groups. 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 people disproportionately affected by STBBI. Our research will address both these important points. Grounded in people with lived/living experiences' needs and epidemiological, social, and clinical sciences, our study will assess how many people agree or not to a rapid test that evaluates syphilis and HIV simultaneously, provides a result in less than 10 minutes, and we will offer immediate treatment for syphilis where women, men and gender-diverse people who are experiencing houselessness (PWEH) "are at" in a shelter in Winnipeg, MB. This approach is also designed to concretely improve prevention of babies born with syphilis. We also want to understand the health inequities that PWEH historically have faced as well as perceptions and experiences of the barriers to healthcare clients face associated with social marginalization, stigma, discrimination, and criminalization.