A new study says reduced access to HIV services during early COVID-19 restrictions in British Columbia was linked to a “surge” in HIV transmission among some drug users.
The study by University of British Columbia researchers says that while reduced social interaction during the March-May 2020 lockdown worked to reduce HIV transmission, it may not have “compensated” for the increase caused by reduced access to services.
The study, published in Lancet Regional Health, found that fewer people started antiretroviral treatment for HIV or had viral load tests under lockdown, while visits to overdose prevention services and safe drinking spaces also fell.
The total number of new HIV diagnoses in BC  has continued to decline for decades.
But Dr Jeffrey Joy, the lead author of the report published on Friday, said he had found a “surprise” in transmission among some drug users during the lockdown.
Joy said transmission rates for such people had previously been fairly stable for about a decade.
“This is because there has been very good penetration of treatment and prevention services in these populations,” he said in an interview.
BC has been a world leader in tracking outbreaks, which means the results are likely to apply elsewhere, Joy said.
“We’re uniquely positioned to find these things,” he said.  “The reason I thought it was important to do this study and get it out there is (because) it’s probably happening everywhere, but other places aren’t tracking the HIV epidemic the same way we are.”
Rachel Miller, co-author of the report, said health authorities needed to consider innovative solutions so that measures “put in place to address one health crisis do not inadvertently exacerbate another”.
“These services are the first line of defense in the fight against HIV/AIDS.  Many of them have faced disruptions, closures, capacity limits and other challenges,” Miller said in a press release.
“Maintaining access to and engagement with HIV services is absolutely essential to prevent backsliding in controlling the epidemic and unnecessary harm.”
The health department did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
The researchers said the rise among “selected groups” could be attributed to a combination of factors, including housing instability and reduced confidence, raising barriers for many people who routinely receive HIV services.
British Columbia is set to become the first province in Canada to decriminalize the possession of small amounts of hard drugs in January after receiving a temporary federal exemption in May.
Joy said this decision, along with measures such as safe supply and safe needle exchange, will make a difference in preventing similar problems in the future.
“The take home message here is, in times of crisis and public health emergencies or other crises, we need to support these really vulnerable populations more, not less,” he said.
“At the very least, we need to give them continuity and access to the services they depend on.  Otherwise, it just leads to problems that can have long-term, long-term consequences.”
This report by The Canadian Press was first published on September 24, 2022.

title: “Rise Of Hiv Among Drug Users Linked To Covid 19 Lockdown Research Says " ShowToc: true date: “2022-12-02” author: “Joan Gonzales”

Author of the article: The Canadian Press Brieanna Charlebois A man draws an unknown illegal substance into a syringe before injecting it into his arm as people gather for a rally and march to call on the government to provide a safe supply of illegal drugs in Vancouver, Wednesday, April 14, 2021. Researchers at The University of British Columbia found that reduced access to HIV care and prevention services during early COVID-19 restrictions was linked to a “surge” in infection rates among drug users. Photo by DARRYL DYCK /THE CANADIAN PRESS

Content of the article

A new study says reduced access to HIV services during early COVID-19 restrictions in British Columbia was linked to a “surge” in HIV transmission among some drug users.

This ad hasn’t loaded yet, but your article continues below.

Content of the article

The study by University of British Columbia researchers says that while reduced social interaction during the March-May 2020 lockdown worked to reduce HIV transmission, it may not have “compensated” for the increase caused by reduced access to services. Start your day with a roundup of BC-focused news and opinion delivered straight to your inbox at 7am, Monday to Friday. By clicking the subscribe button you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. You can unsubscribe at any time by clicking the unsubscribe link at the bottom of our emails. Postmedia Network Inc. | 365 Bloor Street East, Toronto, Ontario, M4W 3L4 | 416-383-2300

Thanks for subscribing!

A welcome email is on its way. If you don’t see it, check your spam folder. The next issue of Sunrise presented by the Vancouver Sun will be in your inbox soon. We encountered a problem with your registration. PLEASE try again

Content of the article

The study, published in Lancet Regional Health, found that fewer people started antiretroviral treatment for HIV or had viral load tests under lockdown, while visits to overdose prevention services and safe drinking spaces also fell. The total number of new HIV diagnoses in BC has continued to decline for decades. But Dr Jeffrey Joy, lead author of the report published on Friday, said he had found a “surprise” in transmission among some drug users during the lockdown.

Advertising 3

This ad hasn’t loaded yet, but your article continues below.

Content of the article

Joy said transmission rates for such people had previously been fairly stable for about a decade. “This is because there has been very good penetration of treatment and prevention services in these populations,” he said in an interview. BC has been a world leader in tracking outbreaks, which means the results are likely to apply elsewhere, Joy said. “We’re uniquely positioned to find these things,” he said. “The reason I thought it was important to do this study and get it out there is (because) it’s probably happening everywhere, but other places aren’t tracking the HIV epidemic the same way we are.” Rachel Miller, co-author of the report, said health authorities needed to consider innovative solutions so that measures “put in place to address one health crisis do not inadvertently exacerbate another”.

Advertising 4

This ad hasn’t loaded yet, but your article continues below.

Content of the article

“These services are the first line of defense in the fight against HIV/AIDS. Many of them have faced disruptions, closures, capacity limits and other challenges,” Miller said in a press release. “Maintaining access to and engagement with HIV services is absolutely essential to prevent backsliding in controlling the epidemic and unnecessary harm.” The health department did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Researchers said the rise among “selected groups” could be attributed to a combination of factors, including housing instability and reduced confidence, raising barriers for many people who routinely receive HIV services. British Columbia is set to become the first province in Canada to decriminalize the possession of small amounts of hard drugs in January after receiving a temporary federal exemption in May.

Advertising 5

This ad hasn’t loaded yet, but your article continues below.

Content of the article

Joy said this decision, along with measures such as safe supply and safe needle exchange, will make a difference in preventing similar problems in the future. “The take home message here is, in times of crisis and public health emergencies or other crises, we need to support these really vulnerable populations more, not less,” he said. “At the very least, we need to give them continuity and access to the services they depend on. Otherwise, it just leads to problems that can have long-term consequences.” For more health news and content on diseases, conditions, wellness, healthy living, medications, treatments and more, head to Healthing.ca – a member of the Postmedia Network.

Share this article on your social network

This ad hasn’t loaded yet, but your article continues below.

Comments

Postmedia is committed to maintaining a lively but civil forum for discussion and encourages all readers to share their views on our articles.  Comments may take up to an hour for moderation before appearing on the site.  We ask that you keep your comments relevant and respectful.  We’ve enabled email notifications—you’ll now receive an email if you get a reply to your comment, there’s an update on a comment thread you’re following, or if a user follows the comments.  Visit the Community Guidelines for more information and details on how to adjust your email settings.