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Thursday, May 1, 2025

16:00-17:15               Syndemics in the Prairies

Friday, May 2, 2025

07:45 – 09:00            Vaccines and Other Approaches to Prevention
07:45 – 09:00            The Next Generation of Change Makers

Saturday, May 3, 2025

07:45– 09:00              CTN+ Postdoctoral Fellows Symposium
17:00 – 18:30             Sex and Gender Equity
17:00 – 18:15             GLOWS in Action: Transforming Indigenous Health

Sunday May 4, 2025

10:15 – 11:15              Spotlight on the Atlantic

 

Session Descriptions

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Syndemics of HIV, STBBIs and Substance Use in the Prairies: Unique Challenges and Local Solutions

Overall, the incidence of HIV is decreasing in Canada and the goal of reaching the UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets is within reach.  However, the situation in Canada’s Prairie provinces is very different and progress towards the targets remains limited. Manitoba and Saskatchewan had the highest numbers of new HIV infections ever in 2021 and rates of other sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections (STBBI) are increasing dramatically.

Syndemics are a state of two or more concurrent disease states that are the result of interactions between biological, social, environmental, political, economic, and structural factors that amplify the risk of disease or worsen the disease process.  Syndemic literature suggests that understanding and addressing the interaction between biological variables such as mental health and HIV, social variables such as houselessness and food insecurity, and biological and social variables such as addiction, can lead to better health outcomes.

This session will generate national awareness and spur action about the unique syndemics driving the extreme rates of HIV and STBBI acquisition in the Prairies, as well as discuss innovative ways to address the situation.

Learning Objectives:

1. Examine the drivers and inequities that are amplifying the increase in the HIV and STBBI incidence in Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba
2. Disseminate locally generated approaches and models for prevention and care in the Prairies
3. Propose actionable strategies to address this syndemic crisis

Introduction:

• Dr. Charu Kaushic, McMaster University
• Albert McLeod, The Village Lab

 Moderator:

• Dr. JoLee Sasakamoose, University of Regina

Panelists:

• Dr. Zulma Rueda, University of Manitoba
• Carrielynn Lund
• Laverne Gervais, Ka Ni Kanichihk
• Levi Foy, Sunshine House
• Katelyn Roberts, Sanctum Care Group Inc.

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Vaccines and Other Approaches to Prevent STBBI

The development of safe and efficacious vaccines to prevent HIV, HCV and other STBBIs is a major aim for research groups globally.  While many vaccine candidates have failed, there is new hope with advances in virology, immunology and vaccinology generating new vaccine ideas in the pipeline. Protection through vaccination remains the goal, but other non-traditional methods to prevent HIV and other STBBIs from infecting mucosal surfaces are being investigated.  For example, ways to condition the mucosal environment to reduce inflammation via mechanisms such as immunoregulation, hormones or microbiome alterations.  This session will discuss cutting edge Canadian research in vaccines and other preventative strategies aimed at reducing STBBIs.

Learning Objectives:

1. Review the current state of HIV and HCV vaccines in the pipeline
2. Consider pre-clinical vaccines currently in development
3. Explore novel preventative strategies

Moderators:

• Dr. Amy Gillgrass, Dalhousie University
• Dr. Michael Grant, Memorial University

Panelists:

• Dr. Eric Arts, Western University,
• Dr. Lyle McKinnon, University of Manitoba
• Dr. John Law, Memorial University of Newfoundland
• Dr. Charu Kaushic, McMaster University

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Next Generation of Change Makers: Interdisciplinary Methods to Support Collection Action Through HIV Research

As the HIV epidemic evolves in 2025, addressing its complexities requires innovative, interdisciplinary approaches that center the needs, leadership, and expertise of communities most impacted globally. While biomedical advancements have reshaped HIV prevention and treatment landscapes, persistent health disparities, structural inequities, and sociopolitical challenges continue to limit equitable access and engagement. This panel will showcase the work of students, trainees, and early-career scholars who are leveraging creative, cross-disciplinary methods, including participatory action research, arts-based methodologies, and decolonial frameworks, to amplify community expertise, disrupt systemic barriers, and address the intersectional drivers of HIV disparities.

Panelists will share insights on how interdisciplinary research can support collective action, strengthen equity-focused research, and inform responsive policy and HIV praxis. This session reimagines all research as intervention, highlighting how emerging scholars are developing community-driven, strengths-based approaches that move beyond deficit-based models. By centering the contributions of new and emerging voices in the field, this discussion will underscore the urgent need for sustained, justice-oriented HIV responses that actively engage with and transform the social, political, and economic conditions shaping the epidemic.

Learning Objectives:

1. Examine how interdisciplinary research methods can advance equity in HIV research.
2. Analyze how co-learning and collaboration can foster innovative methodologies that amplify community expertise and lived experiences in HIV research and advocacy.
3. Explore the potential of creative methodologies to disrupt traditional research hierarchies and generate actionable, community-driven solutions through HIV research.

Moderators:

• Dr. Amaya Perez-Brumer, University of Toronto
• Dr. Rachel Landy, Dalhousie University

Panelists:

• Dr. Julien Brisson, Postdoctoral Fellow, University of Toronto
• Julia De Pontes, Doctoral Student in Collective Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of São Paulo; Visiting Scholar, University of Toronto
• Dorothy Apedaile, Doctoral Student, University of Toronto
• Joshun Dalai, University of Toronto
• Dr. Ashley Lacombe-Duncan, University of Michigan
• Dr. Carmen Logie, University of Toronto

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CTN+ Postdoctoral Fellows Symposium

Meet the next generation of HIV and infectious disease researchers as they present an update on their CTN+ Postdoctoral Fellowships for 2023-2025. This is an excellent opportunity to see the future of research through the eyes of these young leaders. Anyone considering applying for a postdoctoral fellowship, or interested in shaping the new wave of research projects, should not miss this event. The recipients of the 2025-2026 CTN+ Postdoctoral Fellowships will also be announced during the session.

Panelists:

• Dr. Monika M Kowatsch: Down the Rabbit Hole: Calculating Lifetime Estradiol Exposure in a Cross-Sectional Study
  The sex hormone estradiol fluctuates with age and protects many body systems. Women living with HIV are more likely to experience states of low estradiol. Because assessing estradiol exposure at a single time point may not reflect or Inform on one’s exposure to the hormone, we propose a calculation to estimate lifetime estradiol exposure cross-sectionally.

• Dr. Hajar Miranzadeh: HIV Infection of Human Glial Cells Causes Astrocyte Pyroptosis: Activation of Gasdermin B in NeuroHIV
  HIV-associated neurocognitive disorder (HAND) affects some people with HIV. In HAND brains, astrocytes showed high Gasdermin B (GSDMB) expression, with its cleavage causing plasma membrane rupture (PMR) and pyroptosis. Infected microglia showed minimal GSDMB expression. GSDMB levels in neural cells modulate their responses to HIV and contribute to neuroinflammation.

• Dr. Tanya Lazor: Piloting an intervention for self-identified problematic cannabis use in people living with HIV
  Dr. Lazor will review her program of research which explores cannabis use among people living with HIV, including identification and application of an intervention for mitigating use among people in this population who have expressed an interest in modifying or reducing their use..

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Sex and Gender Equity Across the HIV Research Landscape

Sex and gender considerations are critical to incorporate across the HIV research landscape; however, best practices are constantly evolving in this rapidly developing field. Sex and gender equity aren’t limited to the analyses we do; it includes the research teams we build, the populations we study, and how we communicate our findings back to community. Variation in HIV transmission dynamics between sexes include both biological factors (i.e. hormones, mucosal genital tract environment, immune cell proportion differences, etc.) and sociocultural factors tied to gender (i.e. health seeking behaviours, gender norms, intimate partner violence, etc.). Diverse research teams bring unique approaches to investigate these intersections, helping to reduce bias, and increase accountability, and productivity. With our expert panel across research disciplines and audience perspectives, we will explore quantitative and qualitative approaches for integration of sex and gender into HIV research. This session will provide actionable guidance from leaders in the space, while allowing for collaboration between diverse participants to identify successes, gaps, and opportunities within their programs.

Learning Objectives:

1. Examine the intersection of sex, gender, and HIV research, recognizing opportunities and challenges.
2. Explore quantitative and qualitative methodologies for Sex- and Gender-Based Analysis and Knowledge Translation approaches in HIV research.
3. Integrate strategies to develop diverse teams and foster supportive research environments.

Moderators:

• Shanelle Gingras (she/her), University of Manitoba
• Dr. Keith Fowke (he/him), University of Manitoba
• Dr. Marissa Becker (she/her), University of Manitoba
• Samantha Kirby (she/her), University of Manitoba

Panelists:

• Dr. Carmen Logie (she/her), University of Toronto
• Dr. Zulma Rueda (she/her), University of Manitoba
• Dr. Jessica Prodger (she/her), Western University, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry
• Dr. Lance T. McCready (he/they), University of Toronto

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GLOWS in Action: Transforming Indigenous Health Through Community-Led Initiatives

Indigenous People account for approximately 1 in 5 new HIV diagnoses in Canada. In Manitoba and Saskatchewan, where Indigenous populations are disproportionately higher, HIV rates are three times the national average—further exacerbating the impact on Indigenous communities. This session spotlights the early successes of the GLOWS Indigenous Health Grant, a groundbreaking initiative addressing health disparities in Indigenous communities through education, peer support, holistic care, and capacity building. In the first 6 months projects facilitated access to 32 indigenous ceremonies, reaching an estimated 1,000 Indigenous People and linking 10% of them to HIV and Viral hepatitis care. Attendees will learn how culturally adapted, Indigenous-led programs are empowering communities and linking them to accessible, holistic HIV and HCV care.

Learning Objectives:

1. Examine Key Outcomes: Examine the transformative results achieved by the first cohort of GLOWS-funded initiatives in addressing HIV and HCV health disparities in Indigenous communities.
2. Explore Implementation Strategies: Learn how education, peer support, holistic care, and capacity building are fostering culturally adapted, Indigenous-led healthcare delivery.
3. Apply Insights to Practice: Identify actionable strategies and collaborative approaches from the GLOWS initiatives that can reduce health inequities and improve outcomes in other Indigenous and marginalized communities.

Panelists:

• Margaret Kisikaw Piyesis (CAAN)
• Elder Albert McLeod (CAAN)
• Tawnya Crowshoe (CAAN)
• Melanie Kingston (All Nations Hope Network – GLOWS Grantee)
• Denise Lambert (Kimamow Ataskanow Foundation – GLOWS Grantee)

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Spotlight on the Atlantic Region: Challenges and Opportunities for HIV Research

The Atlantic region experiences unique health and social issues as compared to other regions of Canada which can negatively impact health outcomes. Despite this, the Atlantic region is often absent from funded, national research projects on HIV, HCV, and STBBIs. This has created challenges with respect to sustainability and scaling up of grant-funded HIV, HCV, and STBBI research in the Atlantic provinces.

This panel session will bring together a diverse group of individuals who are involved in HIV, HCV, and STBBIs primarily in the Atlantic region to examine the unique challenges and opportunities facing the Atlantic region in addressing prevention, care, treatment, and support. Panelists will be asked to an offer their analysis of current research in the region and propose possible synergies and solutions in moving forward.

Learning Objectives:

1. Examine the unique challenges and opportunities in HIV, HCV, STBBI research in Atlantic Canada;
2. Analyze the ways in which national priorities can consider the Atlantic region; and
3. Catalyze a path forward in addressing the research needs and priorities for the Atlantic region in the context of the national HIV, HCV, and STBBI research ecosystem.

Moderator:

• Dr. Jacqueline Gahagan, Mount Saint Vincent University

Panelists:

• Gerard Yetman, AIDS Committee of Newfoundland and Labrador
• Dr. Lisa Barrett, Infectious Disease Health Care Provider
• Dr. Debbie Kelly, Memorial University
• Michael Davies-Cole, HEAL Nova Scotia
• Dr. Marina Klein, McGill University
• Dr. Shamara Baidoobonso, Prince Edward Island