2024
END OF YEAR NEWSLETTER
As we reflect on 2024, we celebrate the resilience of our community. The Toronto HIV/AIDS Network (THN) has continued to build on its core values of collaboration, innovation, and inclusion to support people living with and affected by HIV/AIDS. This year, we worked alongside our members, partners, and stakeholders to improve service access, amplify our collective impact, and ensure the voices of those most affected by HIV are at the forefront of our work. We’ve seen notable progress in community-driven initiatives, guided by our commitment to harm reduction, social justice, and anti-oppression. From client-directed services to meaningful engagement through the GIPA/MEPA principle, we continue to foster a responsive, accessible, and culturally competent system. Looking ahead, we remain focused on building a coordinated, collaborative HIV/AIDS system. The progress made this year sets us up to tackle new challenges, innovate solutions, and protect the health and rights of those living with and at risk of HIV. As the festive season approaches, we extend our warmest Christmas and New Year wishes to all. May this season bring joy, peace, and renewal to you and your loved ones. We thank our dedicated members, volunteers, and partners for their unwavering commitment. Together, we are building a stronger, more equitable HIV/AIDS system, and we look forward to the year ahead. With gratitude, The Toronto HIV/AIDS Network Team
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HIV STATISTICS T APPROA
Current progress on the 90-90-90 UNAIDS Targets
SOURCES 1. https://www.ohesi.ca/ 2. https://www.canada.ca/conte nt/dam/phacaspc/documents/services/pu blications/diseasesconditions/hiv-2022surveillance-highlights/hiv2022-surveillancehighlights.pdf
2024
F YEAR ETTER
TO CONSIDER AS WE ACH 2025 Toronto has the highest number of first time HIV diagnoses
Number of first time HIV diagnoses by Key population
2024
END OF YEAR NEWSLETTER COMMUNITY ALLIANCE FOR ACCESSIBLE TREATMENT (CAAT) CELEBRATING
YEARS
FROM ACHIEVEMENTS TO ASPIRATIONS: A LEGACY OF RESILENT COMMUNITY IMPACT Founded in 1999, the Committee for Accessible AIDS Treatment (CAAT) was established to address the significant barriers to HIV treatment and services faced by newcomer people living with HIV/AIDS (PHAs). These individuals, often dealing with precarious immigration status, have historically encountered obstacles in accessing essential healthcare and support. For 25 years, CAAT has been at the forefront of advocating for the health, well-being, and empowerment of these communities, ensuring they have the resources and care they need to lead healthy, dignified lives. CAAT is a coalition made up of individuals and organizations from various sectors, including health, legal, settlement, and HIV/AIDS services. The organization’s mission is to improve access to services for newcomer PHAs, ensuring that everyone living with HIV/AIDS, regardless of immigration status, has access to information, tools, and resources that promote their health and well-being. CAAT’s vision is one of a more inclusive society, where all people living with HIV/AIDS can access health, social, and legal services that are welcoming and respectful. At the core of CAAT's work is its commitment to the voices and leadership of people living with HIV/AIDS. The organization upholds the belief that health is holistic, encompassing physical, emotional, sexual, and spiritual well-being. Through advocacy, education, and capacity-building, CAAT has helped create more inclusive, compassionate service environments, ensuring that the unique needs of newcomer PHAs are understood and addressed. As CAAT celebrates 25 years of impactful work, the organization remains dedicated to breaking down the barriers that prevent newcomer PHAs from accessing the care and support they need. With gratitude for the partners, supporters, and community members who have been part of this journey, CAAT looks forward to continuing its vital work for years to come.
2024
END OF YEAR NEWSLETTER YOUTH DATA We are pleased to share some valuable resources provided by the YouthRex Datahub, which offer important insights and best practices for supporting youth living with and affected by HIV: FACTSHEET | Best Practices to Support Youth Living With & Affected by HIV View Factsheet REPORT | Supporting Youth Living With and Affected by HIV in Ontario View Report WEBINAR | Supporting Youth Living With & Affected by HIV View Webinar We hope you find these resources helpful and informative.
END NEW VOLUNTEER RUTH WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO GET INOLVED WITH THE PWA AS A REFUGEE CLAIMANT FROM KENYA? The Toronto PWA Foundation creates a safe, inclusive space where everyone feels valued. From my first encounter, I felt a deep sense of belonging and support. I believe no one should face stigmatization due to their circumstances, and everyone deserves to feel safe and respected.
HOW HAS BEING PART OF PWA IMPACTED YOUR JOURNEY OF GIVING BAKC TO COMMUNITY AND SETTLING IN CANADA? Being part of PWA has profoundly impacted my personal healing and allowed me to give back to the community. When I arrived in Canada, PWA welcomed me with open arms, providing a strong sense of belonging and empowering me to advocate for myself and others. The support I received helped me find purpose, transform my struggles into strength, and become more confident in contributing to those facing similar challenges.
2024
OF YEAR WSLETTER SPOTLIGHT: GITAU WHAT DO YOU SHARE MEANING MOMENT OR EXPERIENCE YOU HAVE HAD WHILE WORKING AT PWA? One of the most meaningful moments with PWA was speaking with a newcomer to Canada diagnosed with HIV. She felt overwhelmed and isolated, unsure where to turn. I listened, validated her feelings, and shared my own journey, reassuring her that healing and rebuilding were possible. By the end, she was relieved, grateful for the support, and reminded me of the power of simply being there to offer empathy and hope.
WHAT MESSAGE WOULD YOU LIKE TO SHARE WITH OTHERS IN THE COMMUNITY, ESPECIALLY THOSE WHO MAYBE NEW TO CANADA OR LIVING WITH HIV I want to share a message of hope, strength, and resilience. If you're new to Canada or living with HIV, know you're not alone support and community are here for you. You matter, and you deserve to feel safe, valued, and empowered. Take one step at a time, trust your journey, and together, we can create a compassionate, understanding community.
2024
END OF YEAR NEWSLETTER SEXFLUENT RESOURCES AVAILABLE
If you work with youth, this new series of six postcards from CATIE and CANFAR is a great way to provide shamefree, sex-positive and affirming sexual health information. Order now and empower youth to learn about PrEP, HIV treatment, harm reduction, safer sex, lube and testing for HIV and STIs. Order now for free
2024
END OF YEAR NEWSLETTER ACTIVITIES TO LOOK FORWARD TO NEXT YEAR
2024
END OF YEAR NEWSLETTER THANK YOU FOR JOINING THE WORLD AIDS DAY YOUTH DINNER
WORLD AIDS DAY DINNER PHOTOS
2024
END OF YEAR NEWSLETTER ACTIVITIES TO LOOK FORWARD TO
15 JANUARY 2025
SUBMIT YOUR ABSTRACT 17 JANUARY 2025
SUBMIT YOUR ANCILLARY EVENTS APPLICATION 10 JANUARY 2025
APPLY FOR A COMMUNITY SCHOLARSHIP
2024
END OF YEAR NEWSLETTER THINGS TO DO DURING THIS FESTIVE SEASON
2024
END OF YEAR NEWSLETTER JOB OPPORTUNITIES
Position advertised
Organization
Harm Reduction – Project Coordinator (HRPC)
The Centre for Spanish speaking peoples
Service Navigator – Contract
LOFT Community Services
Community Worker- Corner Drop-In
The Neighbourhood Group (TNG)
Receptionist – 260 Augusta Ave
The Neighbourhood Group (TNG)
DIRECTOR, OCS
The Ontario HIV Treatment Network (OHTN)
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SPECIAL T OUR MEMBE
OF YEAR WSLETTER
L THANKS TO ER NETWORK
2024
2024
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