CAHR 2023: Interview videos with leaders in Canada’s response to HIV
Every year the Canadian Association for HIV Research (CAHR) organizes Canada’s leading HIV research conference, where researchers, service providers, people living with HIV, policy-makers and advocates come together to exchange knowledge, share their work and learn about advances in HIV research.
CATIE attended CAHR 2023 in Quebec City to tap into the latest discussions and debates in Canada’s HIV response. Learn more about what people were saying at the conference in the videos below.
Canada’s progress on its HIV targets
CATIE caught up with leaders in Canada’s response to HIV and asked them how Canada performed on its 2020 targets for HIV testing, treatment and viral suppression, as well as where we need to do better to meet our targets for 2025.
Women and Canada’s HIV response
This video presents the reflections of several women involved in Canada’s response to HIV. They discuss how women haven’t been prioritized in HIV service provision and advocate for greater focus on women’s voices moving forward. Check out this video and find out what they think is most important for you to know about women’s experiences of HIV.
HIV self-testing
In this video, CATIE speaks to several health leaders at the forefront of Canada’s HIV self-testing rollout. They discuss the many benefits of this new development, but also highlight important considerations around implementation and how to minimize potential risks. Watch this video and hear their thoughts on the implications of HIV self-testing, including insights into who should have access to HIV self-tests and how they should be linked to support.
HIV stigma
Leaders in Canada’s HIV response share their thoughts on HIV stigma in this video. They discuss various manifestations of stigma and the negative impacts it can have, such as lowering self-esteem, as well as decreasing testing, retention in care and viral suppression. In order to address stigma, the speakers propose approaches for empowering people living with HIV, correcting disinformation and advocating for evidence-informed policies.
HIV testing innovations
In this video, two public health experts speak to CATIE about new HIV testing technologies and how they can help overcome barriers to access. They discuss how these developments offer people more autonomy, confidentiality and convenience. They also reflect on promising directions for HIV testing moving forward, as well as how we can ensure Canada’s deployment of new testing technologies can be sustained.
Molecular surveillance
Molecular surveillance refers to the collection and analysis of blood samples from people living with HIV in order to better understand transmission and how people respond to different treatments. In this video, two experts explain how molecular surveillance works, as well as consider the benefits and the risks for community and public health.