UWindsor Annual Report 2007/2008

A University of Windsor Sociology and Anthropology professor was named Senior Scientist and Director of Prevention Research at the Ontario HIV Treatment Network (OHTN).

Dr. Barry Adam will research methods for reducing HIV transmission among populations at risk. He said reported cases of HIV declined in the 1990s, though they have been edging upward since 2000.

“We are trying to improve the research capacity and to get researchers linked up with front-line workers and ultimately to get our numbers under control because, frankly, the numbers are moving in the wrong direction,” said Dr. Adam.

The Ontario Ministry of Health and Long Term Care created the OHTN in 1998 in response to the needs of people infected with and affected by HIV and AIDS. Its mission is to improve quality of life by promoting excellence and innovation in treatment, research, education and prevention. The organization has a mandate to advance policy relating to the optimal treatment and care of people living with HIV, while sharing research evidence with the people who can put it into action. The OHTN is a leader in research that engages the community and looks at the social determinants of health.

As part of Adam’s agreement with the OHTN, a $21,000 graduate scholarship for an incoming PhD student studying in the area of sexuality and HIV will be established in September 2009.