Grant: Planning Grants - Priority Announcement: Infection and Immunity

HIV prevention and care are important to improving the health and wellbeing of vulnerable populations. However, there are important knowledge gaps related to strategies for achieving the best possible outcomes in prevention and care. In Manitoba, the overall numbers of new HIV diagnosis has increased in the last few years. In the last few years, we have also learned that more people are testing for HIV in rural and Northern areas, most of the time accessing care when very ill. This suggests that some individuals, particularly among the vulnerable and remote populations, are often not accessing care or able to access care, and when they do, they are often presenting late. The University of Manitoba, Health Sciences Centre and Nine Circles Community Health Centre with regional partners have begun a process of examination of the knowledge gaps in rural and Northern areas in the province. The overall purpose of the two meetings is to facilitate discussion that can inform further knowledge exchange and research agenda concerning the provision of care in rural and northern regions in Canada. The main objectives of the meetings are (1) to present an update of the Manitoba HIV Program; (2) present and discuss research findings and evidence that supports the development of the Manitoba HIV Program; (3) gain an understanding of the HIV related issues faced in the Region, including current knowledge and resources and the gaps in these areas; discuss strategies to address gaps and shortcomings in relation to HIV primary care, treatment and support, including ways to strengthen the communication and collaboration across Regions. Through interactive sessions we aim to develop a research and projects to begin evaluating the gaps and needs identified by the regions. A report from the workshops will be shared with the other regions in the province as a template for strengthening regional partnerships and HIV program development.