Priority populations

Not all individuals in Ontario are equally at risk of HIV infection. The Ontario HIV/AIDS Strategy recognizes five populations in Ontario most affected by HIV. Most people living with HIV in Ontario are part of one or more of these populations, and most new infections occur to individuals from the communities. A range of social drivers, as well as biological and behavioral factors lead to increased risk within these communities.

OHTN consults with members of each of these populations to understand community needs, and to identify relevant research priorities. OHTN conducts and funds research within each community to understand HIV risk for the population, to identify gaps in services and to develop and evaluate prevention, treatment and care services adapted to community needs.

Women* = Cis and Trans women, including African, Caribbean and black women, women who use drugs, Indigenous women, and other women who face systemic and social inequities, are more likely to be exposed to HIV through a sexual or drug using partner.