The purpose of this portal is to assist service providers who work with African, Caribbean and Black (ACB) individuals and communities to provide culturally relevant, anti-oppressive and effective support across the HIV prevention, engagement, care and treatment continuum.

HIV Prevention Guidelines

FOR ACB COMMUNITIES

Why ACB?

ACB individuals are at a significantly higher risk of HIV infection due to a complex mix of social, behavioural and biological factors. Within the broader ACB community, there are groups such as gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM) and heterosexual women who are especially affected. These guidelines will shed light on the unique experiences, perspectives, vulnerabilities and risks associated with ACB community members, with a particular focus on GBMSM, heterosexual women and newcomers.

Ontario’s response to HIV is focused on the populations most impacted by HIV (commonly referred to as Ontario’s HIV priority populations):
  1. People living with HIV
  2. Gay, bisexual and other (cis and trans) men who have sex with men
  3. African, Caribbean and Black (ACB) Communities
  4. Indigenous Peoples
  5. People who use drugs
  6. Women* (cis and trans women, including African, Caribbean, and Black, People who inject drugs, Indigenous women, and other women who face systemic and social inequities, are more likely to be exposed to HIV through a sexual or drug using partner)
BUILD YOUR CAPACITY TO SUPPORT BY

Understanding the
ACB reality

ACB IDENTITY AND SOCIETAL FORCES

This identification is informed by lived experiences, as well as family history and ancestral links.
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HIV IN ACB COMMUNITIES

Most of the countries classified as HIV-endemic are in sub-Saharan Africa or the Caribbean
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COUNSELLING & TESTING

Care providers should respect the cultural, sexual and gender diversities of clients by avoiding judgmental language
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LINKAGE TO CARE

ACB people, especially newcomers, who are living with HIV face unique challenges
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EMERGING PREVENTION TECHNOLOGIES & INTERVENTIONS

There are significant concerns that the promise of U=U is not fully reaching ACB communities
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DISCLOSURE & LEGAL ISSUES

The criminalization of HIV non-disclosure is having disproportionate and negative impacts on ACB people living with HIV in Canada
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WORKS CITED

A list of resources referenced. ACB specific sources are bolded
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BROUGHT TO YOU BY

The African and Caribbean Council on HIV/AIDS in Ontario (ACCHO)
accho.ca