REGINA — A new community-based project is aiming to tackle HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis C.
Saskatchewan is among the provinces with the highest rates of infection in Canada.
In response, Dr. Andrew Eaton, associate professor in the University of Regina’s Faculty of Social Work, and Shiny Mary Varghese, executive director of AIDS Programs South Saskatchewan, Inc. (APSS), have collaborated on a new research project called 3 Infections, 1 Fight: A Community Response.
“This is a bold, first-of-its-kind initiative in Canada to address the alarming rates of HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis C in Saskatchewan,” said Varghese. “Designed to reach vulnerable populations, the project offers a bold, community-driven approach to the public health crises—bringing essential education, testing, care and prevention services to those who need it the most.”
The collaboration between the U of R and APPS will combine community needle reporting, geo-mapping, pop-up testing, and educational events. These will improve access to care while raising awareness about prevention.
“This is a community-driven approach developed by and for people who use drugs to reduce HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis C infections that meet[s] people where they are and focuses resources where they can have the greatest impact,” said Eaton, who leads the project.
Eaton has also developed a resource to identify non-profit and public organizations in Regina’s North Central and Downtown areas, which people who use drugs have said are safe, trustworthy spaces.
This map will help connect people to non-judgmental supports for sexual health and drug use.
The team is also hosting pop-up events in community spaces, like parks, parking lots, and more. This was made possible by funding provided by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) and the Saskatchewan Health Research Foundation (SHRF).
“These events will offer HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis C point-of-care testing, along with education on safer sex and safer drug use. First-dose syphilis treatment will also be provided on-site, along with direct connections to follow-up care,” said Eaton.
Part of the research team includes people with experience of sexually transmitted infections, addictions, and more.
The goal of this initiative is to see whether a rapid-response, community-based model is feasible and can reduce rates of HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis C in the province and Canada.
“This is the first initiative of its kind in Canada,” said Eaton. “We hope it becomes part of a sustained, community-driven approach to addressing these public health concerns.”
