Approximately 10% of people living with HIV in Ontario report exposure to HIV through injection drug use; more broadly, levels of substance use are elevated in people living with and at risk of HIV. While non-medicinal drug and heavy alcohol use can increase HIV and hepatitis C transmission and compromise treatment adherence, stigma and criminalization of drug use are also major barriers to effective care, and may lead to sub-standard HIV care for people who use drugs.
Ontario’s HIV/AIDS Strategy aims to improve the health and well-being of people who use drugs in Ontario and to reduce new HIV and Hepatitis C infections in this community. Research is a tool to achieve these goals. Harm reduction approaches and participatory research that engages people who use drugs, are key strategies for OHTN funded research in this area.