New Science, New Directions in HIV and HCV
As one of the BC rapporteur delegates to the recent CATIE New Science, New Directions in HIV and HCV conference, it’s my pleasure to report back on the event for VCH staff and partners.
On September 18th and 19th, attendees from across the country gathered in Toronto to learn from over 75 presenters and to discuss the future of HIV and hepatitis C (HCV) testing, treatment, support and care in Canada. In recent years, new research, prevention and treatment approaches have changed how these viruses are addressed in healthcare, and how they are experienced by individuals and communities. Given these changes, one of the central questions of the New Science, New Directions in HIV & HCV conference was whether, and how, to better integrate approaches to HIV, HCV, as well as other sexually transmitted and blood borne infections (STBBIs). The integrated STBBI services presented offer tailored prevention, treatment, and support for people who have, or at risk for, STBBIs. Having one STBBI can increase the risk of co-infection, or infection with another STBBI. In turn, co-infection can lead to more negative health outcomes. Overlapping testing, prevention and care strategies can prevent co-infection and improve health outcomes for people who are co-infected. Discussions about the impact of integrated approaches, however, centred on the diversity of people affected by STBBIs.
The conference highlighted the need ensure newly integrated services are culturally competent and meet the unique needs of diverse communities and individuals. The importance of meaningfully involving people affected by HIV and HCV in shaping and delivering services was an key piece of these discussions. The conference was organized by CATIE, the national organization dedicated to providing free HIV and HCV education, resources and learning opportunities for individuals, service providers and researchers. Webcast videos of plenary sessions will be available for viewing on October 7th on www.catie.ca.
For more information on innovative projects addressing STBBIs, check out some of the projects led and supported by Vancouver Coastal Health which were featured at the conference: –The STOP HIV/AIDS Team -The STOP HIV/AIDS routine HIV testing in acute care project –The Know on the Go mobile health clinic –Insite supervised injection site