GOAL
To coordinate research efforts to support evidence-based decision-making to influence policies, programs, and practices to prevent the transmission of HIV and HCV, and to improve the quality of life of those affected by HIV and HCV in the Atlantic region of Canada.
OBJECTIVES
- Conduct programs of research to increase knowledge and understanding of HIV/AIDS and HCV prevention strategies, interventions, and policy.
- Enhance collaboration and promote cross-fertilization across disciplines, diseases, methodologies, sectors, provinces, and traditional pillars of research.
- Provide capacity building opportunities that will increase and enhance skills development in HIV/AIDS and HCV research for stakeholders across the region.
- Collaboratively shape a regionally relevant research agenda that contributes to the nationally research agenda.
- Increase knowledge uptake of research findings into policy, practice and services.
Why HIV & HCV?
HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis C have many features in common:
- Emerging prevalence among marginalized populations
- High risk behaviours associated with transmission
- Stigma and the negative impact on the lives of infected and affected individuals
- Symptoms can be debilitating, and treatment difficult for some, especially if diagnosed at an advanced clinical stage
- While there are treatments available to cure HCV, HIV requires lifelong treatment.
- Chronic, serious and potentially fatal health consequences for individuals who are living with Hepatitis C and/or HIV
- On the positive side, many people lead full, happy and productive lives living with HIV and HVC