Women are under-represented in HIV research. In Canada, women are one of the fastest growing population groups at risk for HIV infection, now representing about 20 per cent of cases in Canada (40 per cent worldwide). Women living with HIV face different issues than men including unique complications of infection, sex-specific side effects from anti-HIV treatments, emotional and mental health support needs, as well as unique concerns around pregnancy.

The Women and HIV Research Program at WCRI is led by Dr. Mona Loutfy. The program works in partnership with Maple Leaf Medical Clinic (MLMC), where Dr. Loutfy serves as research director.

The Women and HIV Research Program is committed to working collaboratively with:

HIV+ Women and Affected Communities

The Women and HIV Research Program is committed to understanding and addressing the research needs of women living with HIV. To achieve this, the team works with these women, and partners with community advocates, researchers and community organizations, such as the Women's Health in Women's Hands Community Health Centre. This collaborative work has led to a planned series of focus groups, interviews and a survey to gather information from women and their service providers that will guide and inform the team’s research aims.

HIV Clinicians and Caregivers

The Women and HIV Research Program was created improve clinical care for women living with HIV, in part by creating closer linkages between research and primary care. Dr. Loutfy participates in a variety of HIV clinician networks, and gathers valuable input from front-line clinicians that ensure the team’s research addresses pragmatic, clinical concerns.  

Other Research Teams

Numerous Ontario-based researchers have already partnered with Dr. Loutfy at the Women and HIV Research Program. For example, Dr. Loutfy will serve on the HIV Expert Panel of the POWER study, funded by the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care. The study will identify problems and inequities in our health-care system, and will inform policy to address these issues.

Ongoing research initiatives of the Women and HIV Program focus on:

• The safe and effective use of antiretroviral therapy in women
• Pregnancy planning
• Mental health supports for HIV+ women
• The impact of co-infection such as other sexually transmitted infections on HIV in HIV+ women