Empowering Voices, Uniting Lives
At the heart of Canada’s fight against HIV, our network stands as the only national, independent organization dedicated to empowering individuals living with HIV and co-infections. We are a collective of diverse voices from every corner of the country, united by our shared experiences and a steadfast commitment to advocacy, education, and support. Our mission is to elevate the voices of those affected, fostering a sense of belonging and resilience as we address the challenges faced by people living with HIV.
By and for the community, we strive to create a welcoming space where individuals can share their stories, access vital resources, and engage in meaningful dialogue. Through collaboration and advocacy, we are paving the way for a brighter, more inclusive future. Together, we work to dismantle stigma, promote understanding, and ensure that every person living with HIV feels empowered and supported on their journey.
We recognize the importance of comprehensive education and awareness in combating misinformation and prejudice surrounding HIV. Our initiatives include workshops, informational campaigns, and partnerships with healthcare providers to ensure that accurate information reaches not only those affected but also the broader community. By fostering an environment of understanding, we aim to create allies and advocates who join us in our mission to support and uplift individuals living with HIV.
Our vision extends beyond immediate support; we are dedicated to influencing policy and advocating for systemic changes that improve the lives of people affected by HIV. We actively engage with government agencies, stakeholders, and other organizations to promote equitable access to healthcare, mental health services, and social support. Together, we are building a resilient community that champions the rights of all individuals living with HIV, ensuring that their voices are heard and valued in the ongoing fight for justice and equality.
Initiatives
Women’s Health Equity Network
The Women’s Health Equity Network aims to provide a dedicated forum for addressing the health inequities faced by women from diverse backgrounds. By leveraging the collective expertise and experiences of women living with HIV, allies, and the network seeks to enhance the visibility of women’s issues in health discussions, advocate for resources and support, and ultimately improve health outcomes for women in equity-deserving communities across Canada.
Community U=U Task Force
The U=U Task Force aims to ensure that the U=U message reaches and resonates with the general population. By prioritizing community engagement, data-driven strategies and the expertise of individuals living with HIV, the U=U Task Force will create sustainable and impactful strategies that elevate U=U knowledge and awareness and promote understanding, acceptance and awareness around the science of U=U. By working collaboratively and inclusively, the Task Force will pave the way for meaningful change surrounding the knowledge, awareness and acceptance of the science of U=U in the general population. This proposal outlines a comprehensive approach to advancing U=U koi education and awareness, positioning the U=U Task Force as a key driver of positive change and understanding surrounding U=U.
Community Roundtable Discussions
The community roundtables are structured forums where diverse people living with HIV, come together to discuss key topics and challenges faced by the community. Topics Discussed include CPPN project implementation, Community Development, improving services, and support for people living with HIV, community-based educational initiatives etc.
Capacity Building Webinars
The capacity building webinars are designed to empower community members, by enhancing their skills, knowledge, and abilities to effectively address community challenges and opportunities. Webinars are conducted online, ensuring accessibility for PHA’s from various locations. These Interactive webinars feature peer collaborators with lived experience on webinar, topics and aim to meaningfully engage people living with HIV.
Interconnected Newsletter
The Interconnected Newsletter serves as a vital platform for amplifying the voices of people living with HIV in Canada, facilitating information sharing, and promoting community connectivity and empowerment. Content highlights include, community updates, educational resources, updates on policy changes and more. The Interconnected Newsletter is a crucial tool for connection and empowerment, ensuring that the voices and stories of people living with HIV remain at the forefront of community and national dialogues.
Community Engagement Support Network
Canadian Association for HIV Research, Canadian AIDS Society and Canadian Positive People’s Network, are partnering to create a skill building support network for People living with HIV/AIDS (PHA) and working in the HIV sector. Canadian AIDS Society and Canadian Positive People’s Network will facilitate six virtual skill building meetings and one science café. The six meetings will connect 15 people living with HIV and working in the HIV sector to build on both emotional and tangible skills.