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The ‘gateway’ drug theory is a commonly known concept that psychoactive drugs, such as marijuana, can lead to further drug use and to the use of substances that may be more illicit, addictive or harmful. Two studies from the Momentum Health Study indicate that this theory may not paint the whole picture and other factors, such as identity and employment, can determine drug use patterns.

Over a dozen outstanding BC-CfE researchers presented at this April’s Canadian HIV/AIDS Research Association (CAHR) Conference in Vancouver. BC-CfE Postdoctoral Fellow Dr. Kate Salters was awarded the New Investigator Award in Clinical Sciences for her research work

Re-engagement and Engagement in Treatment for Antiretroviral Interrupted and Naïve Populations (RETAIN) is BC-CfE initiative that aims to reach patients who have stopped accessing HIV treatment and care by linking these individuals to outreach teams across the province.

An HIV prevention program, available at no cost to people at high risk of HIV, is enrolling over 400 participants Ð primarily men who have sex with men (MSM) Ð every month right across BC. PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) is a daily oral antiretroviral medication that prevents new HIV infection when taken consistently.

According to the BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS(BC-CfE)’s Drug Treatment Program (DTP) data, over half of HIV positive individuals in British Columbia, who are on antiretroviral therapy, are over 50 years of age.

The largest Canadian HIV AIDS conference is in Vancouver, bringing with it over 800 researchers. This conference is coming at a time of great forward momentum in the fight against HIV and other infectious diseases such as hepatitis C.