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HIV/AIDS Communiqué - Volume 5 Number 2 - Spring 2006
Table of content
ACAP
2005 AIDS Community Action Program Grants and Contributions Allocation Project
Under the Federal Initiative to Address HIV/AIDS in Canada, funding for the AIDS Community Action Program (ACAP) is gradually being increased from $7.4M in 2003/04 to $13.9M in 2008/09. All regions received initial increases in 2004/05, which have been maintained in 2005/06.
A new ACAP Grants and Contributions (G&C) funding formula has been developed and is based on the principles of burden, vulnerability, and equity. It prescribes funding levels for the Public Health Agency of Canada's (PHAC) regional offices and Health Canada's Northern Secretariat. As of April 1, 2006, the new funding formula will be applied resulting in additional increases in 2006/07, 2007/08, and 2008/09 to three of the four provinces that represent 95% of all HIV case reports, namely British Columbia, Ontario, and Quebec. Alberta and the Northern Territories will receive additional increases in 2008/09. The provinces of Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador will continue to receive the same level of funding as they received after the initial increases in 2004/05.
The new distribution of ACAP funding is based on evidence, expert opinion, consultation with key stakeholders, and the directions of the Federal Initiative and Leading Together: Canada Takes Action on HIV/AIDS (2005-2010)
. Overall, the new ACAP distribution is in line with the best available evidence. The funding is provided to the geographic areas that have the largest number of people infected with, and vulnerable to, HIV/AIDS in Canada.
The final report on the ACAP G&Cs allocation process will be accessible on the PHAC Web site in May 2006 .
Please contact the ACAP program consultant at your PHAC regional office, or Health Canada's Northern Secretariat office, at (613) 946-4627, for information on the allocation process to access ACAP funding.
Public Health Agency of Canada's AIDS Community Action Program Review Update
In December 2005, the Public Health Agency of Canada undertook a program review of the AIDS Community Action Program (ACAP). The purpose of the review was to examine ACAP's programs and achievements under previous federal HIV/AIDS strategies to determine the extent to which ACAP is aligned with the Federal Initiative to Address HIV/AIDS in Canada.
A literature review was conducted in January and February 2006 to build an understanding of the history of ACAP, and the priorities of the Federal Initiative.
In early March 2006, a consultation took place with key stakeholders from across the region via an online survey and interviews. The survey asked questions about ACAP's role under the Canadian Strategy on HIV/AIDS (looking back) and about its potential role under the Federal Initiative (looking forward). Approximately 10 key informants were invited to participate from each region with these individuals representing federal and provincial governments, researchers, community organizations, and people living with HIV/AIDS. The English consultations were completed on March 29, 2006, with a response rate of over 50%. The Quebec consultations were being held separately and were expected to be completed on April 14, 2006. A summary report will be submitted after the consultation is complete.
The next phase of the review will involve consultations on the summary report with a smaller number of key informants. These key informants will be selected based on criteria determined by the Program Review Working Group. Some of these criteria include individuals with a solid knowledge of the Federal Initiative and ACAP with an understanding of the shifts and the context, a clear program and policy focus, and performance management expertise; and community-based organizations with a long-term relationship with ACAP. The Program Review of ACAP is expected to be completed by the end of July 2006, and the report will be made available on PHAC's Web site.
For more information, please contact Fiona Chin-Yee, at Fiona_Chin-Yee@phac-aspc.gc.ca.
Events
XVI International AIDS Conference, August 13-18, 2006 (Toronto)
With the XVI International AIDS Conference (AIDS2006) just around the corner, Health Canada and the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC), along with several other federal government departments and agencies, are heavily involved in preparations related to this important event.
The Federal AIDS2006 Secretariat, the interdepartmental committee set up to coordinate federal engagement in AIDS2006, has been meeting regularly to discuss various policy, operational, and communications issues related to the conference. Representatives from this group have also been engaged in the broader conference planning and have recently participated in meetings of the conference organizing committee and the local host advisory committee.
Many government departments and agencies are committed to engaging in the conference and have submitted a number of proposals for abstract presentations, skills-building sessions, and satellite events. Federal departments and agencies are also involved in pre-conference events. For instance, Health Canada's First Nations and Inuit Health Branch, in partnership with PHAC, is supporting the development and implementation of the first International Indigenous Peoples' Satellite. The planning committee represents Indigenous people from North America, Australia, and New Zealand, and is being coordinated by the 2-Spirited People of the 1st Nations. This affiliated conference event, which will be held on August 11-12, 2006, will provide Indigenous peoples with the opportunity to meet, network, and share their experiences regarding best practices and self-reliance/sufficiency in the area of HIV/AIDS. PHAC, in partnership with the Government of Ontario, the City of Toronto and national and international community organizations, will support a satellite conference on August 10th and 11th, coordinated by the AIDS Committee of Toronto on gay/bi/men-who-have-sex-with-men issues. This event will enable dialogue on current and emerging issues and potential responses to issues in HIV/AIDS prevention, care, treatment and support as well as create ongoing networks.
PHAC has also been working with federal, provincial, and territorial representatives; national HIV/AIDS non-governmental organizations; and the City of Toronto to shape the Canadian exhibit for the conference. This space will be a focal point for conference delegates to learn about Canada's domestic and global responses to HIV/AIDS and to interact with others on this issue.
For further information on the conference, please consult:
www.aids2006.org.
Any specific questions regarding Government of Canada engagement should be sent to Amy Arnold, at amy_arnold@hc-sc.gc.ca.
1st International Day Against Homophobia - May 17, 2006
May 17th has been recognized as the 1st International Day Against Homophobia in Canada and around the world. This day is intended to raise people's awareness of homophobia's potential harmful effects, to provide a positive image on sexual orientation and diversity, and to combat exclusion.
This year's theme focuses on a homophobic-free workplace. A healthy workplace should not only promote improved productivity, but should also respect diversity and dignity, and offer protection from discrimination and harassment.
To learn more about the 1st International Day Against Homophobia , please visit the following link: http://www.idahomophobia.org.
Funding
Research Funding Opportunities
The Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) will launch new funding opportunities in HIV/AIDS research in June 2006. Opportunities launched under the CIHR HIV/AIDS Research Initiative will include programs relevant to all fields of HIV/AIDS research, including community-based research. Please visit the CIHR Web site at www.cihr-irsc.gc.ca for further information regarding CIHR funding opportunities.
For more information on the CIHR HIV/AIDS Research Initiative, please contact Jennifer Gunning at jgunning@cihr-irsc.gc.ca.
National Funding Update
The HIV/AIDS Policy, Coordination and Programs Division is responsible for administering five national HIV/AIDS grants and contributions funding programs under the Federal Initiative to Address HIV/AIDS in Canada. An update on national Request for Proposals is presented below.
National HIV/AIDS Funding Programs |
Goal |
Update on Requests for Proposals |
National HIV/AIDS Voluntary Sector Response Fund |
To enhance and sustain an effective voluntary sector response to HIV/AIDS in Canada.
|
RFP was released in fall 2005. Review process is ongoing and expected to be completed by the end of June 2006. Organizations that submitted proposals will be notified as early as possible. |
Non-Reserve First Nations, Inuit and Métis Communities HIV/AIDS Project Fund |
To aid in the reduction of HIV incidence among Canada's Aboriginal population and to facilitate access to quality diagnosis, care, treatment and social support for all APHAs. |
RFP was released in winter 2005. Review process is ongoing and expected to be completed by the end of June 2006. Organizations that submitted proposals will be notified as early as possible. |
Specific Populations HIV/AIDS Initiatives Fund |
To support policy, program and social marketing initiatives that increase the prevention of HIV infection amongst Canada's populations most affected by HIV/AIDS and most vulnerable to infection and increases their access to appropriate diagnosis, care, treatment and support. |
RFP is currently under development and is scheduled for release in June 2006. |
National HIV/AIDS Knowledge Exchange Fund |
To strengthen responses of front-line organizations involved in the delivery of prevention, diagnosis, care, treatment and support to people living with and at risk to HIV/AIDS, by incorporating an active and continuous exchange of HIV/AIDS-related knowledge. |
RFP is currently under development and is scheduled for release in June 2006. |
National HIV/AIDS Demonstration Fund |
To demonstrate and share the effectiveness of select front-line initiatives to build the evidence base and strengthen programmatic responses to HIV/AIDS. |
RFP is currently under development and is scheduled for release in late fall 2006. |
Note that all RFPs are posted on the PHAC HIV/AIDS web site. Please check the web site regularly for updates. For more information on national HIV/AIDS funding, please contact Alain Houde at: alain_houde@phac-aspc.gc.ca.
General
F/P/T AIDS input to Spring 2006 Communiqué
The Federal/Provincial/Territorial Advisory Committee on AIDS (F/P/T AIDS) provides policy advice on issues and priority initiatives related to HIV/AIDS in Canada and promotes timely, effective, and efficient inter-governmental and inter-jurisdictional collaboration on issues related to HIV/AIDS in Canada.
F/P/T AIDS held a full committee meeting on January 31-February 1, 2006, in Ottawa, at which members identified key areas of work for the upcoming year. Activities underway include the development of an F/P/T AIDS Strategic Plan for 2007-2009; the development of a Federal/Provincial/Territorial Consensus Statement on HIV/AIDS; and the May 2006 release of a report prepared for F/P/T AIDS, A National Portrait: A Report on Governments' Responses to the HIV/AIDS Epidemic in Canada.
For more information, please access the F/P/T AIDS Web site, or contact
Meredith Willis, at meredith_willis@phac-aspc.gc.ca.
Ministerial Council Update
The Ministerial Council on HIV/AIDS was created to advise the Minister of Health on aspects of HIV/AIDS that have a national scope. The Council's membership reflects a broad range of experience and knowledge, and includes several Canadians living with HIV/AIDS. The main focus of its work is on evaluating and monitoring the Federal Initiative, championing current and emerging issues, and offering a vision for the long-term.
Some of the most recent work addressed by the Ministerial Council on HIV/AIDS is the provision of input into the consultations on the directives regulating "Smart Regulation" to the Privy Council, as well as input into the UNGASS report, and the Global Engagement on HIV/AIDS. The Ministerial Council is in the process of arranging a face-to-face meeting with the Minister of Health to introduce him to Council Members and to acquaint him with their work. As well, the Council will shortly be undertaking an open call for membership renewal. The Council's upcoming June meeting in Montréal will focus on the development of a cohesive research response and a global research initiative, and on a discussion on research ethics boards. Looking forward to the upcoming XVI International AIDS Conference in August, Council has submitted two abstracts for consideration.
For more information, please access the Ministerial Council Web site, or contact Monica Thibault, at monica_thibault@phac-aspc.gc.ca.
NACHA - Spring 2006 Communiqué
The National Aboriginal Council on HIV/AIDS (NACHA) is a national advisory body providing policy advice to Health Canada and the Public Health Agency of Canada about HIV/AIDS-related issues among all Aboriginal (Inuit, Métis and First Nations) peoples in Canada. NACHA held its most recent face-to-face meeting February 28-March 1, 2006, in Ottawa. At the meeting, NACHA initiated a review of its membership renewal process. NACHA has also recently examined the issue of services provided to Métis living with HIV/AIDS, and will be participating in the International Indigenous Peoples Satellite at the XVI International AIDS Conference. At its upcoming face-to-face meeting in mid-May, NACHA will review its strategic plan for 2005-2010, and begin preparation of its annual report.
For more information, please access the NACHA Web site, or contact Kathryn Allebone, at kathryn_allebone@phac-aspc.gc.ca.
Reports
Public Opinion Research
Background
The Federal Initiative to Address HIV/AIDS in Canada pinpoints the need for increased federal action in national and front-line communications and social marketing activities to improve Canadians' knowledge of HIV, to address community and societal attitudes, and to reduce the stigma and discrimination that contribute to the epidemic. Over the past year, the HIV/AIDS Policy, Coordination and Programs Division (HIV/AIDS Division) has been working with stakeholders internal and external to government to develop the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC)-led National Social Marketing Campaign, which will focus on HIV/AIDS-related stigma and discrimination.
Update
2006 HIV/AIDS Attitudinal Tracking Survey
With input and guidance from the Public Opinion Research and Evaluation Division, a multi-divisional working group, and EKOS Research Associates, the HIV/AIDS Division created the 2006 HIV/AIDS Attitudinal Tracking Survey - an updated and expanded version of the 2003 HIV/AIDS Attitudinal Survey. While many of the questions appearing in the 2003 survey remained in tact for the 2006 survey to ensure tracking purposes, many new questions focussing on HIV/AIDS-related stigma and discrimination were added to better guide the PHAC-led social marketing campaign that is currently in development. Over 2,000 Canadians were surveyed on their attitudes and behaviours regarding HIV/AIDS and HIV/AIDS-related stigma and discrimination. The final report is complete and should be ready for public release in late spring 2006.
2006 Aboriginal HIV/AIDS Attitudinal Survey
PHAC and Health Canada's First Nations and Inuit Health Branch are working with the Public Opinion Research and Evaluation Division, the National Aboriginal Council on HIV/AIDS (NACHA), and EKOS Research Associates on the 2006 Aboriginal HIV/AIDS Attitudinal Survey - the first study of its kind in Canada. The survey obtained baseline data on the knowledge, awareness, and behaviour of First Nations living on- and off-reserve, Métis, and Inuit regarding HIV/AIDS in order to provide an accurate understanding of their attitudes on HIV/AIDS and HIV/AIDS-related stigma and discrimination. The survey's findings will be useful for a wide variety of initiatives, including the PHAC-led social marketing campaign currently in development. A first draft of the report is expected by the end of April 2006, and will be reviewed by the NACHA before the report is finalized in late spring 2006.
Fore more information related to the 2006 HIV/AIDS Attitudinal Tracking Survey, or
the 2006 Aboriginal HIV/AIDS Attitudinal Survey, please contact Maxxine Rattner, at maxxine_rattner@phac-aspc.gc.ca.
Government of Canada Report on the UNGASS Declaration of Committment on HIV/AIDS
The Government of Canada has submitted its report on the implementation of the 2001 Declaration of Commitment on HIV/AIDS to the Secretary General of the United Nations. Copies of the report will soon be available on the Public Health Agency's Web site.
There will be a meeting of the UN General Assembly on May 31-June 2, 2006, to review global progress on reaching targets outlined in the 2001 Declaration of Commitment. Officials expect that the AIDS Review 2006 will result in a Declaration Document, reaffirming the global commitment to the fight against HIV/AIDS and outlining a path towards achieving universal access to treatment. At this meeting, UNAIDS will also release a report outlining barriers to treatment, and identifying obstacles that must be overcome if the international community is to meet the objective of providing universal access to treatment. As in previous years, there will be a Canadian delegation, including two representatives from civil society, going to New York to participate in the meetings. In addition, between five and seven non-governmental organizations will receive support to participate in the UNGASS discussions in New York. Planning is also underway for Canada to organize a side event to promote progressive dialogue around the issues faced by vulnerable and marginalized populations.
For more information, please contact Shane Rhodes, at shane_rhodes@phac-aspc.gc.ca.
Work in Progress
Leading Together - Seeking Nominations for National Leading Together Championing Committee
In April 2005, at a meeting of national stakeholders and other participants in Canada's HIV/AIDS response, participants called for the establishment of a multi-sectoral leadership/stewardship committee to ensure that Leading Together is strongly championed throughout the country. Since that time, Leading Together: Canada Takes Action on HIV/AIDS (2005-2010) was released, and terms of reference for this Championing Group have now been prepared.
Soon, a call for nominations will be underway to solicit participants on this group from throughout the country and from a multiplicity of sectors. The target for having the group established is late June 2006. If you are interested in applying to be part of this group, or would like to nominate someone to participate, additional information on the process and other details can be found at :www.leadingtogether.ca.
For more information or updates, contact Fernand Comeau, at fernand_comeau@phac-aspc.gc.ca.
Web site Re-organization
The Centre for Infectious Disease Prevention and Control is currently undertaking a re-organization of its HIV/AIDS information into a new, comprehensive Web site. This new site will provide a one-stop shop for HIV/AIDS information within the Public Health Agency of Canada, highlighting the work taking place under the Federal Initiative to Address HIV/AIDS in Canada, both nationally and regionally.
A Web approach has been developed, and an internal working group has been formed to provide direction on the process. Within the re-organization, Web users will be able to quickly find all HIV/AIDS information in areas, such as research and surveillance, funding, global engagement, and all pertinent reports and publications. Included with this information will be general information on HIV/AIDS, links to other resources, and success stories on current- and past-funded projects.
The new site will be launched in the summer of 2006 prior to the XVI International AIDS Conference in Toronto.
For more information, please contact Shannon Brunton, at shannon_brunton@phac-aspc.gc.ca.
Population-Specific Approaches
The development of Population-Specific Approaches under the Federal Initiative to Address HIV/AIDS in Canada has progressed through multiple discussions with key stakeholders, national bodies and at meetings where the specific populations have met over the last year. The leading Federal role will now be the development of an evidence base through a Status Report on each population. This will be undertaken with, and for, each of the populations.
The Status Reports, to be published periodically by the Public Health Agency of Canada, will provide a comprehensive picture on each population over time in the areas of:
- The lived experience;
- The status of the population, including epi/surveillance data;
- Current research;
- Overview of current responses; and
- Identification of gaps to inform next steps.
The pilot Status Report, slated for publication in spring of 2007, will be on gay/bisexual and men who have sex with men as the population with the highest prevalence of HIV/AIDS and with whom the country has the greatest experience of responses to the epidemic. Work has also begun on the Status Report on people from countries where HIV is endemic. Based on the pilot and lessons learned, reports will be developed on all populations.
While the status report embodies the Federal Government's approach to specific populations, work is underway in collaboration with stakeholders and other levels of government on all populations.
For more information, please contact Susan Tolton, at susan_tolton@phac-aspc.gc.ca.
