Strategic Implementation Programs

Strategic implementation programs

Strategic implemen- tation programs

CANFAR’s strategic implementation program was developed from our Bold Actions national strategic plan, which aims to increase access to HIV testing and care, and fund implementation research to end the epidemic.

What is implementation research?

Implementation research is an evolving field that explores how real-world evidence can inform and improve the adoption of evidence-based practices, interventions, and policies—particularly within healthcare and public health settings. Its primary goal is to enhance the uptake of research findings by identifying and addressing the barriers and facilitators that affect implementation.

Implementation research figures out how to put proven solutions into practice — and keep them working — in real-world settings like hospitals, clinics, or communities. Ultimately, this leads to improved health outcomes and greater well-being at both individual and population levels.

CANFAR-funded strategic implementation projects

This program aims to support community-based models and programs that improve healthcare accessibility for priority populations. By developing effective strategies to support the integration of proven approaches into routine practice, implementation research helps bridge the gap between research and real-world applications.

GeneXpert rapid testing instruments

GeneXpert testing instruments

The GeneXpert system is a rapid and mobile testing instrument that uses individual cartridges to test for a variety of infectious diseases, including HIV. It is a compact, on-demand diagnostic platform that operates as a closed system polymerase chain reaction (PCR) machine – widely regarded as the gold standard in molecular diagnostics. The GeneXpert machine can provide accurate and efficient testing in just 90 minutes or less. This means that community-based organizations can use this system to test, diagnose, and link patients to HIV treatment and care on-demand.

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Our Healthbox, smart vending machine

Our Healthbox is a smart vending machine that increases FREE access to HIV self-test kits, sexual health supplies, and safe injection equipment to minimize HIV transmissions in our communities. It’s a project by REACH Nexus and the MAP Centre for Urban Health Solutions at St. Michael’s Hospital, with support from various funders including CANFAR. Each Our Healthbox machine collects data in real time to make sure we are reaching the people who are the most underserved and the most in need – accessing what they need anonymously without facing judgement, racism, or stigma.

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CBRC: Two-Spirit Medicine Bundle Program

The Medicine Bundle under the CBRC’s Two-Spirit Program provides accessible and independent HIV self-testing and sexual health resources for Two-Spirit, queer, and trans Indigenous community members in Canada. Today, the Medicine Bundle has expanded and is now available in 5 community sites across Turtle Island. Each site creates their own medicine bundles, with regionally relevant medicines catered to the needs and cultures of its local community. Supporting the journey of healing is paramount, and these actions truly make a difference.

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Dr. Peter Centre: Culture as Medicine Project

Urban Indigenous people face numerous challenges in accessing culturally responsive services, particularly if they are non-status or do not have band membership. Many non-Indigenous urban frontline health providers are asking for support in adapting their services for Indigenous people seeking care. The current project explores why the Centre’s culturally safe model works, how it fosters trust in healthcare systems, and how its approach-now formally named the Balanced Wellness Approach-can be documented, evaluated, and adapted by non-Indigenous organizations.

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HQ Toronto: Express Testing Laboratory

In July 2022, CANFAR funded the procurement of the technology and instruments needed for the Express Testing Laboratory at HQ Toronto – an investment of over $500,000.

The lab provides confirmatory tests for Sexually Transmitted and Blood-Borne Infections (STBBIs), including HIV, chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphillis; with guaranteed same-day (24-hour) results. This innovative technology, which provides accurate, rapid, laboratory-grade test results, means that people who are travelling from outside the city can receive care and be linked to treatment or prevention in the same day.