The HIV Burden in the African Caribbean and Black Communities in Ottawa

Abstract

Statement of problem: Ottawa Public Health has expressed the need for accurate and complete data/information on HIV in the Black community from Africa and the Caribbean (ACB) in Ottawa. Method of investigation: A mixed methods approach was done. The first phase was a descriptive analysis of HIV diagnoses in the ACB population in Ottawa between 2005-2010. The second phase used qualitative interviews with people living with, and not living with HIV in ACB communities in Ottawa. Results: HIV diagnosis rates were higher in ACB in comparison to the non-ACB population. The issues that emerged from interviews touched on HIV-related stigma, the exacerbating effect of HIV, essential gaps in current programs and HIV-related services for ACB communities. Conclusion: The HIV diagnosis rates in the ACB communities in Ottawa provide reason for concern. OPH’s approach to reducing HIV rates in ACB communities must attempt to incorporate understandings of the cultural context of HIV in the ACB communities for the betterment of HIV-prevention programming.