Did You Know? 

In Depth Information on PrEP, OHTN Calls for Abstracts for Annual Research Conference


The Ontario HIV Treatment Network Newsletter  |  May 25, 2011

In This Issue
1. OHTN-Positive Lite
2. OHTN Rapid Response
3. OHTN 2011 Research Conference
4. Food Security Study
5. Positive Spaces Health Places Housing Study
6. Universities Without Walls
7. Ottawa Hospital Research Institute
8. Canadian AIDS Society
10. Canadian HIV/AIDS Legal Network
11. University of Guelph
12. Ontario Aboriginal HIV/AIDS Strategy
13. Toronto HIV/AIDS Network
14. Canadian Observational Cohort
15. Universities Without Walls Fellowships
OHTN Quick Links
The Ontario HIV Treatment Network - Did You Know
Dear Mark,

 

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Image, Mathew LeonardiOHTN-Positive Lite
Interview with Mathew Leonardi
  • What is Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP)?  
  • Are people willing to try it to prevent HIV infection? 

University of Toronto's Mathew Leonardi discusses his research on pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV with men who have sex with men (MSM) during the 2010 OHTN Research Conference.

In his research, Mathew looked at the level of awareness, the usage and willingness to use PrEP in the future among MSM in downtown Toronto.
 
The OHTN partnered with Positive Lite to ensure the most recent HIV research data is available to the community. In each online video, local or international experts talk about their work in easy-to-understand language.

 

Watch the Video >>   

Illustration, Rapid ResponseOHTN Rapid Response
Effectiveness and Cost-Effectiveness
of Pre and Post-Exposure Prophylaxis of HIV
  • How effective is Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP)?  
  • How effective is Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP)?  
  • Would it be cost effective to provide PEP to anyone who have been exposed to HIV?

A Rapid Review related to the Effectiveness and Cost-Effectiveness of Pre and Post-Exposure Prophylaxis of HIV found that although extensive research has been done on the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of occupational PEP, little research has been conducted on PEP use after non-occupational exposure to HIV. There is even less research on the effectiveness of PrEP. However, there is some evidence suggesting that PEP could be a cost-effective intervention for men who have sex with men, intravenous drug users and high risk women.  

 

The OHTN Rapid Response Service offers HIV/AIDS programs and services in Ontario quick access to research evidence to help inform decision making, service delivery and advocacy. In response to a question from the field, the Rapid Response Team reviews the scientific and grey literature, consults with experts and prepares a brief fact sheet summarizing the current evidence and its implications for policy and practice. 


Learn more in the Rapid Response (pdf) >>
Read other Rapid Response Fact Sheets  

Logo, OHTN 2011 ConferenceOHTN 2011 Research Conference
Call for Abstracts
Apply by September 15

 

Research at the Front Lines: Influencing HIV Policy, Practice and Programs -- the 2011 Ontario HIV Treatment Network (OHTN) Research Conference -- will be held in Toronto on November 14 and 15, 2011.
 
The annual OHTN Research Conference is a dynamic forum where researchers, clinicians, community service providers, policy makers and people living with HIV share recent research findings and discuss the implications for policy, practice and programs.

2011 marks the 30th anniversary of the first reported case of HIV/AIDS. This year's conference will focus on research findings that enhance our knowledge and understanding of HIV, and have the potential to drive HIV policy, practice and programs in the fourth decade of HIV.
 
We invite abstracts presenting results of scientific research, economic analyses, program evaluations, community-based interventions, and public policy strategies that will help prevent HIV and improve the health and well-being of people with HIV. We also invite teams wishing to present a 'Special Session' to identify the chosen theme when submitting the abstracts.
 
The abstract submission deadline is September 15, 2011.
NOTE:  The abstract submission deadline will not be extended.
 
For more information and to submit your abstract:

View the Abstract Submission Guidelines (pdf) >>
Visit the Conference Website >>   

Logo, Food Security StudyFood Security Study
Community-Based Research Study
Recruiting Participants

 

The Food Security Study is seeking Ontario participants. The Food Security Study will examine how food security affects health outcomes in people living with HIV in Ontario, BC and Quebec.  

This study is led by the OHTN in partnership with the Ontario AIDS Network (OAN) and Toronto People With AIDS Foundation (PWA) in Ontario; the BC Centre for Excellence, AIDS Vancouver and Pacific AIDS Network in BC; and COCQ-Sida in Quebec; and is funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR). This Community-Based Research study builds on the success of our other CIHR-funded studies:  Positive Spaces Healthy Places (PSHP) and Employment Change and Health Outcomes (ECHO) in HIV/AIDS.

 

The Food Security team is recruiting up to 1,200 participants with HIV in Ontario. If you would like to participate or know people who may be interested in participating,  

please call:  1-855-246-3388 or 416-969-4890.

Logo, Positive Spaces Healthy PlacesPositive Spaces Healthy Places Housing Study
Recruiting HIV-Negative Participants

 

Positive Spaces Healthy Places needs your help to determine if people who are HIV negative experience similar health and housing issues as people who are HIV positive.  

 

Participants will share their experiences with housing and health and help inform this dynamic study funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research.

 

To qualify, participants must have tested negative for HIV in the past 12 months. Participants will be interviewed twice over a period of two years. Each participant will receive $40 for each interview that they complete. 

 

To enrol, call the confidential phone line at 1-866-301-2548.


For more information: Download the Poster (pdf) >>  

Logo, OHTNUniversities Without Walls
Call for HIV Research Field Mentors 

 

Universities Without Walls is looking for HIV research allies.
 
Every year, Universities Without Walls matches a limited number of exceptional academic and community fellows with placements in community, policy or academic HIV research environments. If you have opportunities available between September 2011 and May 2012, Universities Without Walls would love to hear from you. Tasks, roles, and timelines are negotiable.

  

Register to Become A Mentor >>    
If you have questions, please contact the Program Manager. 

Logo, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute Ottawa Hospital Research Institute
Job Opportunity: Postdoctoral Fellow or PhD Student

 

A postdoctoral fellow or Ph.D. student position is available in the laboratories of Drs. Nongnuj Tanphaichitr and Jonathan Angel, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa. The candidate will perform research on the development of an antimicrobial peptide, LL-37, and its related peptides, as contraceptives with anti-sexually transmitted disease (STD) activity.The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation fund this work. 

The PhD student must be accepted in the graduate studies program of the University of Ottawa. The postdoctoral candidate must have a Ph.D. degree in basic science with a broad background in biological sciences, critical thinking ability in experimental design and interpretation and good written and oral communication skills.Experience in glycolipid/lipid and/or immunology work is considered an asset.


See the Complete Job Description (pdf) >> 

Please send your CV to Dr. Nongnuj Tanphaichitr or Dr. Jonathan Angel.   

Logo, Canadian AIDS Society Canadian AIDS Society
2011 People Living With HIV/AIDS Forum
and Annual General Meeting, May 30 - June 2 

 

The People Living With HIV/AIDS (PLWHIV/AIDS) Forum is open to all PLWHIV/AIDS and is an excellent opportunity to:

  • Network with other PLWHIV/AIDS from across Canada 
  • Set priorities for the community-based AIDS movement
  • Contribute to policy development  
  • Discuss new ideas and share information
  • Participate in the general business of the Canadian AIDS Society

The PLWHIV/AIDS Committee of the Canadian AIDS Society believes that people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHIV/AIDS) must participate in creating the vision for their future.

Delegates of the Forum elect regional PLWHIV/AIDS Directors to the Canadian AIDS Society Board. In addition, resolutions arising from the Forum are presented to the Board of Directors and help guide the ongoing work of the Canadian AIDS Society. All delegates of the Forum have full voting rights and are encouraged to run for any vacant PLWHIV/AIDS position on the Canadian AIDS Society's Board of Directors. The forum takes place on: 


When:     May 30 to June 2, 2011 

Where:    Delta Hotel 

361 Queen Street
Ottawa, ON

K1R 7S9    

 

For more information please visit the Canadian AIDS Society's website >> 

Logo, Canadian AIDS Society AIDS Committee of York Region
Supporting our Sisters, June 3

 

The AIDS Committee of York Region will be hosting a skills building session for service providers who work with women who are living with or at risk for contracting HIV. 

 

When:     June 3, 2011

Where:    The Newmarket Health Centre Auditorium  

194 Eagle Street
Newmarket, ON  

 

The workshop aims to build knowledge and capacity to respond to women's HIV prevention needs.  It is also an opportunity for front line workers to share their experiences and challenges in dealing with issues related to HIV. Please register by June 1, 2011.

 

For more information, see the advertisement (pdf) >>  

Canadian HIV/AIDS Legal Network
Public Lecture by Professor Alan Young, June 9 

 

Join the Canadian HIV/AIDS Legal Network for a free public lecture by Professor Alan Young, Counsel in the Ontario case, Bedford vs. Canada. A reception will follow.

 

When:     June 9, 2011, 6:30 to 9pm 

Where:    Novotel Toronto Centre

45 The Esplanade
Toronto, ON

M5E 1W2   

 

Alan Young is an Associate Professor at Osgoode Hall Law School and counsel in the landmark Ontario case Bedford v. Canada, a constitutional challenge of three prostitution-related provisions of the Criminal Code.

 

Professor Young will discuss the history and evolution of the criminalization of prostitution in Canada, its impact on the health and safety of sex workers, the steps and strategy taken (and obstacles faced) to launch the constitutional challenge in Ontario, and the anticipated impact of the decriminalization of prostitution in Canada.

 

This free event is part of the Canadian HIV/AIDS Legal Network's 3rd Symposium on HIV, Law and Human Rights. It will be held on June 9 and 10, 2011, at the Novotel Toronto Centre.

Symposium Topics Include:  

  • The role of litigation in addressing issues related to human rights and HIV in Canada
  • Criminal prosecution of HIV non-disclosure cases
  • Constitutional challenges to Canada's prostitution laws
  • Application of Canadian drug laws to supervised injection sites
  • Health policy issues in the media, and the use of social media tools for community engagement.  

There is a $50 Registration fee for the Symposium. 


For more information and to register visit the Symposium website >> 

Logo, 2011 Guelph Sexuality ConferenceUniversity of Guelph
33rd Annual Guelph Sexuality Conference, June 13

Join the University of Guelph 33rd Annual Sexuality Conference with the theme Sexuality in Transition: Key Learning for Professional Practice.

 

When:     June 13, 2011

Where:    Rozanski Hall   

University of Guelph   

Guelph, ON  

N1G 2W1 

 

Participants will get a chance to choose from six dynamic workshops related to sexuality. Topics include: 

  • Communicating Effective Sexual Health Messages
  • Sexual Health Promotion at the Margins: Trans Canadians Taking Control of Our Health
  • The Other F Word: Working with Teens' Feelings in the Context of Sexual Health Promotion
  • Contraception Update
  • Syndemics, Resilience, and Needed Changes in Gay Men's HIV Prevention
  • Lost Love: What is Missing from Sexual Health Education for Black African, Caribbean and Canadian Youth Residing in Low Socio-Economic Communities

For more information or to register, please visit the conference website >>   

Logo, Ontario Aboriginal HIV/AIDS StrategyOntario Aboriginal HIV/AIDS Strategy
New Executive Director Named

 

Doe O'Brien-Teengs has been hired as the Executive Director of the Ontario Aboriginal HIV/AIDS Strategy effective on May 16, 2011.

Doe has been working in the Aboriginal HIV/AIDS movement for over a decade and brings her skills and abilities to lead the Ontario Aboriginal HIV/AIDS Strategy. She has worked both with Aboriginal agencies and non-Aboriginal agencies to raise the issues of HIV and address stigma for Aboriginal people living with HIV/AIDS. She is established in the HIV research field and has partnered with funders, academics and other community partners to advocate for Aboriginal HIV/AIDS issues.  

Logo, Toronto HIV/AIDS NetworkToronto HIV/AIDS Network
Participate in the City of Toronto
Service Review

 

The Toronto HIV/AIDS Network (THN) is encouraging people to participate in the Toronto Service Review. According to the THN, Toronto City Council has launched a review of all of its services  to address Toronto's 2012 budget gap of $774 million. THN says that every service area in the City is being reviewed to identify reasons for services to remain OR be reduced or cut from the City budget for 2012. 

 

The City of Toronto has announced its consultation process for the Toronto Service Review - a review of City services provided directly by the City or through agencies funded by the City, including City funding for HIV prevention and Drug prevention/harm reduction services.  This funding provides community services and outreach to people at risk of HIV and living with HIV and includes outreach to youth, women, gay, trans, and ethno-racial communities, ex-prisoners, and people who are homeless. 

 

The City of Toronto has created a website, and on this site they are seeking feedback from residents. The consultation period ends on June 17, 2010.

 

Take the Survey >>  

Learn More About the Toronto Service Review >> 

Logo, CANOCCanadian Observational Cohort 
Call for Scholarship Applications, Apply by June 1


The 2011 Canadian Observational Cohort (CANOC) scholarship is now accepting applications.  

 

To qualify, candidates should be a full-time graduate level student at a recognized post-secondary institution. They should be interested in working with Canada's largest HIV cohort and interested in focusing on health services and cost-effective research.   

 

A total of up to $97,500 will be available for scholarships at Master's and PhD levels for 2011-2012.  The scholarship is offered by CANOC in partnership with the CIHR Centre for REACH in HIV/AIDS, Universities Without Walls, and the CIHR Canadian HIV Trials Network.

 

The application deadline is June 1, 2011.

    

Scholarship details are available online at CANOC's website >>  

Logo, Universities Without WallsUniversities Without Walls Fellowship
Accepting Applications until June 10


Universities Without Walls (UWW) is currently accepting applications for its 2011/2012 Fellowship. To qualify, applicants must be focusing their studies on the Canadian HIV epidemic, enrolled in a graduate program and aiming to contribute to the HIV research in Canada.   

The Fellowship provides individualized mentorship, expert training and financial support for highly skilled individuals who push the boundaries of innovation and excellence.

 

The application deadline is June 10, 2011.


Visit the UWW website to start your application >>