FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Halifax, NS – November 22, 2013 -- Women now represent a quarter of all HIV infections in Canada and women who are socially marginalized or economically impoverished are particularly at risk for infection. While exact numbers are hard to find, trans people are disproportionately affected by HIV, and face a number of barriers that prevent them from accessing the health services they need. Young women under the age of 25 represent a growing number of new HIV infections in the country, while cases of others sexually transmitted infections (STIs) like Chlamydia are also on the rise amongst Canadian youth.
Much remains to be done when it comes to understanding the complex issues and needs of women, trans people and girls who are living with or affected by HIV in Canada. The Gathering of Spirits Research Collaborative has spent the last two years undertaking extensive consultations with individuals, organizations and institutions throughout the country, to develop a National Consensus Statement on Women, Trans People and Girls and HIV Research. Aimed at those who are involved in shaping or conducting research related to HIV in Canada, including researchers, policy-makers and research funders, the National Consensus Statement makes a call for a greater quantity –and a greater variety—of research with women.
“Only when we truly understand women’s complex needs can we begin to respond to them adequately,” says Dr Jacqueline Gahagan, Professor of Health Promotion and Director of the Gender and Health Promotion Studies Unit at Dalhousie University in Halifax, who has been involved in shaping the development of the National Consensus Statement since the beginning. “We have spoken to women, girls and trans people who are living with HIV, their healthcare providers, the organizations that work with them and various other stakeholders throughout the country to develop this document. We are confident that it raises some of women’s key concerns, while offering researchers and funders concise and practical guidance to help shape future research on HIV in Canada.”
The National Consensus Statement on Women, Trans People and Girls and HIV Research is available online at http://www.dal.ca/gahps and will be distributed to various researchers and research institutions and community and healthcare organizations during HIV/AIDS Awareness Week.
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The National Consensus Statement on Women, Trans People and Girls and HIV Research in Canada is available for download in both English and French online at http://www.dal.ca/diff/gahps/resources/consensusstatement.html.
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