BC-CfE co-hosted the 2nd Global Experts Summit: Leading by Example in the Public Health Approach to Antiretroviral Therapy from February 11-13. International experts in the field convened at this summit to develop expert consensus on research needed to optimize the individual and societal benefits of the public health approach to delivering ART. The specific objectives of the summit were to: 1) Evaluate and build consensus on the most scientific data on ART with a focus on initiation, optimization, monitoring and delivery; 2) Identify additional research required to learn how to maximize the preventative benefit of ART; and 3) Identify key actions by each partner to strengthen human and financial investment in capacity-building and implementation of a robust operations research agenda.
Premier Gordon Campbell commits to support The STOP HIV/AIDS as a pilot project to expand access to HIV/AIDS drugs to the street-involved population in Vancouver’s downtown eastside and Prince George.
BC-CfE published a report in the Lancet based on research by LISA, which illustrates how socio-economic factors impact adherence and access to HAART.
BC-CfE published a landmark paper on “Longitudinal community plasma HIV-1 RNA concentrations and incidence of HIV-1 among injecting drug users: prospective cohort study” (BMJ 2009 Apr 30; 338:b1649). The paper was the first to show the impact of HIV prevention among injection drug users.
A paper published by the BC-CfE in BMJ provides the first empirical evidence demonstrating an adverse relationship between the criminalization of sex work and elevated sexual HIV risk and violence in street-based sex work.
The International AIDS Society’s second annual global summit, a groundbreaking event of international significance, held in Vancouver and hosted by the BC-CfE and partner organizations.
BC-CfE launched the Gender and Sexual Health Initiative (GSHI), a network of studies examining the sexual health inequities and gaps in women-centred HIV care for marginalized populations, particularly youth, women and sex workers.
During the Canada Post strike, the following measures have been undertaken to minimize service disruption to BC-CfE clients and providers.
The BC-CfE Laboratory has transitioned to private courier for delivery of outgoing reports and documents. (Lab Contact Information: Phone 604-806-8775; FAX 604-806-9463)
The BC-CfE Drug Treatment Program (DTP) will fax outgoing forms and documents to the provider’s office. (DTP Contact Information: Phone 604-806-8515; FAX 604-806-9044)
St. Paul’s Hospital Ambulatory Pharmacy has transitioned to private courier for delivery of medications. (Contact Information: Phone 1-800-547-3622; FAX 604-806-8675)
During this time, we recommend that documents be faxed or couriered to our sites, versus utilization of regular mail service.
