Thursday, April 25, 2024
16:00 – 17:15 | Merck Symposium |
Friday, April 26, 2024
07:45 – 09:00 | CTN Postdoctoral Fellows Symposium |
12:30 – 14:00 | Gilead Lunch Symposium |
Saturday, April 27, 2024
07:45 – 09:00 | ViiV Healthcare Breakfast Symposium |
12:30 – 14:00 | ViiV Healthcare Lunch Symposium |
Sunday, April 28, 2024
10:30 – 11:35 | Public Health Agency of Canada Symposium |
Individualization Concept in Management of PLHIV: What Does it mean ?
Thursday, April 25
16:00 – 17:15
Synopsis
Considering factors like comorbidities, social circumstances, and demographics are crucial elements in treatment individualization in managing patients living with HIV. Further, consideration of these factors ensures the tailoring of treatment plans to suit the specific needs of each patient. In this symposium, panelists will discuss personalized care for people living with HIV (PLWH) and delve into practical scenarios and cases, such as the management of immigrants living with HIV and their unique challenges, as well as the management of comorbidities, weight gain, and resistance.
Learning Objectives
- Emphasize the importance of individualization in HIV management, considering factors such as patient demographics, social circumstances, and comorbidities
- Discuss the latest treatment guidelines and recommendations that promote individualized care for PLWH
- Examine practical scenarios, such as immigrants living with HIV and provide insights on managing their unique challenges, management of comorbidities and weight gain and resistance management
Panelists
- Dr. Bertrand Lebouché
McGill University - Dr. Alexander Wong
University of Saskatchewan
CTN Postdoctoral Fellows Symposium
Friday, April 26
07:45 – 09:00
Synopsis
Meet the next generation of HIV and infectious disease researchers as they present an update on their CTN postdoctoral fellowships for 2022-2024. 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 2024-2025 CTN Postdoctoral Fellowships will also be announced during the session.
Speakers
- Dr. Francis Mwimanzi
Simon Fraser University - Dr. Hajar Miranzadeh Mahabadi
University of Alberta - Dr. Jeffrey Wong
University of British Columbia - Dr. Katherine Kooij
Simon Fraser University
Lunch Symposium – Achieving Zero Compromise – How far have we come, and how far do we have to go?
Friday, April 26
12:30 – 14:00
Synopsis
A retrospective look on the achievements in HIV treatment and care alongside an acknowledgement that the work is not done, and perhaps far from it. We appreciate that what we’ve been fighting for has left many behind and hence the importance of continued research efforts, innovation, and investments in clinical care that ensure equitable access.
Learning Objectives
- Evaluate the breakthroughs, strategies, and best practices in delivering HIV care in Canada
- Assess existing inequities in HIV care
- Apply community-led approaches and initiatives to shape effective HIV responses
*Lunch will be provided*
Panelists:
- Dr. Kevin Woodward (Chair)
- Dr. Cécile Tremblay
- Dr. Morris Markentin
- Linda Robinson
- Vimbayi Munonyara Chukwu
Regional HIV/AIDS Connection
Breakfast Symposium – The Many Faces of HIV Stigma
(as co-developed with ViiV)
Saturday, April 27
07:45 – 09:00
Synopsis
Join us for a courageous conversation on the impact of stigma on people with HIV’s health and quality of life. Experts will share insights on how we can identify, mitigate, and overcome the barriers of stigma.
Learning Objectives
- Reflect on individual experiences of HIV and stigma
- Discuss the intersectional challenges faced by people with HIV and the importance of adapting treatment to the individual
- Explore the role of healthcare professionals in acknowledging and addressing stigma and empowering people with HIV
*Breakfast will be provided*
Speakers
- Muluba Habanyama (moderator)
Lead, Equity & Strategic Partnership
Ontario HIV Treatment Network National Spokesperson
Canadian Foundation for AIDS Research - Claudette (CeeCee) Cardinal
Indigenous Community Researcher
Epidemiology and Population Health Program, BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, SHARE & CARE Study
The Feast Centre for Indigenous STBBI Research – Feast Community Member - Dr. Fatima Kakkar
Pediatric HIV & Infectious Diseases, CHU Sainte-Justine
Associate Professor of Pediatrics, Université de Montréal
Clinician-Scientist, Centre de Recherche du CHU Sainte-Justine - Arthur Dave Miller
HIV Stigma Index Coordinator, HIV
Implementation Science & Brain Health
Department; REACH Nexus, MAP Centre for Urban Health Solutions, St. Michael’s Hospital, Unity Health Toronto; Community Health Educator, PEI, NB and Labrador
Atlantic IPHA Peer Mentor, Healing Our Nations - Dr. Sharon L Walmsley
Professor, Department of Medicine, University of Toronto
Director, Immunodeficiency (HIV) Clinic, Toronto General Hospital
Speck Family Chair in Emerging Infectious Diseases, University Health Network
Co-director, Canadian HIV Clinical Trials Network
Lunch Symposium – The Time is Now to prevent HIV
(as co-developed with ViiV)
Saturday, April 27
12:30 – 14:00
Synopsis
New HIV infections continue to rise in Canada despite us having more tools than ever before. Panelists explore regional epidemiology of HIV in Canada, the importance of HIV prevention to reduce new infections, and the need for effective tools, education, and advocacy. Join us as the time is now to prevent HIV.
Learning Objectives
- Discuss regional trends in HIV epidemiology across Canada
- Explore the role and importance of prevention to reduce HIV transmission
- Discuss potential opportunities and initiatives to improve HIV prevention for diverse communities across Canada
*Lunch will be provided*
Speakers
- Jody Jollimore (moderator)
Executive Director
CATIE - Dr. Mia Bionde
Assistant Professor/NP Program Coordinator, York University
Director of Implementation, Viral Hepatitis Care Network, University Health Network - Dr. Andrew Bui-Nguyen
Clinique médicale Quorum
Hôpital Laurentien - Grace Chiutsi
ACT’s Women’s Support Program Coordinator - Dr. Sarah Stone
Regional HIV Medical Director VCH
Physician Lead John Ruedy Clinic PHC
Clinical Instructor Faculty of Medicine UBC
Symposium – Promoting sexual health and wellbeing across the life course in the implementation of the Government of Canada’s STBBI Action Plan (2024-2030)
(as led by the Public Health Agency of Canada)
Sunday, April 28
10:30 – 11:30
Synopsis
The Government of Canada recently released its renewed federal STBBI Action Plan (2024-2030). The Action Plan outlines 16 priorities, and 49 actions from 9 federal departments. It aims to accelerate prevention, diagnosis, and treatment, and help mitigate the health impacts of STBBI by 2030, aligning with global commitments. This symposium will review the Government of Canada’s renewed action plan, and explore ongoing work related to the priority: promoting comprehensive sexual health and well-being across the life course. The symposium will featuring distinguished speakers from the Government of Canada, including the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) and the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR). Academic and community leaders will then engage in a panel discussion to illustrate how funding from the federal response supports ongoing projects and research related to advancing comprehensive sexual health and well-being across the life course.
Learning Objectives
- Review the Government of Canada’s STBBI Action Plan (2024-2030)
- Examine the value of preventative actions focused on comprehensive sexual health and well-being
- Identify current successes and remaining challenges in implementing programs and research related to promoting sexual health and wellbeing across the life course
Symposium Presenters
- Semhar Zerat
A/Director
Programs and Partnerships Division
Center for Communicable Diseases and Infection Control
Public Health Agency of Canada, Government of Canada - Kristen Kindrachuk
Project Manager – Research Initiatives
Institute of Infection and Immunity
Canadian Institutes of Health Research - Dr. Jessica Wood
Research and Program Development Lead
Sex Information and Education Council of Canada (SIECCAN) - Dr. Francisco Ibanez-Carrasco
Assistant Professor, Learning Innovation
Dalla Lana School of Public Health
University of Toronto - Dr. Randy Jackson
Associate Professor, School of Social Work, Department of Health, Aging and Society
Feast Centre for Indigenous STBBI Research
McMaster University - Dr. Ciann L. Wilson
Associate Professor
Community Psychology
Wilfrid Laurier University