TORONTO – REACH Nexus, based at the MAP Centre for Urban Health Solutions at St. Michael’s Hospital (Unity Health Toronto), has partnered with three Black-led community health organizations to launch a new study aimed at improving access to the HIV prevention medication PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) for African, Caribbean, and Black communities in the Greater Toronto Area.
The study, called the Safe Steps Model, is being conducted by REACH along with TAIBU Community Health Centre (TAIBU CHC), the Black Coalition for AIDS Prevention (Black CAP), and Africans in Partnership Against AIDS (APAA), along with other clinical and social service providers. Together, these organizations provide culturally safe care and wellness programming for Black communities across the GTA.
Dr. Wale Ajiboye, adjunct scientist with REACH Nexus, and project lead for Safe Steps, said the study team is using community engagement and culturally responsive care to tackle longstanding barriers to PrEP access, including stigma, limited service access, and anti-Black racism in the health system.
“The Safe Steps Model is culturally responsive, grounded in protection motivation and self-determination theory, and designed to address key individual and systemic barriers to using HIV prevention tools,” said Dr. Ajiboye. “This study has the potential to significantly expand prevention efforts and improve health outcomes for those at risk.”
The study is now enrolling participants to address individual, social, and structural barriers to HIV prevention. It emphasizes client independence, relationship-building, and access to essential resources, like social services, that help address the underlying social determinants of health and support people in meeting their HIV prevention goals.
PrEP—taken orally or as an injectable—prevents HIV acquisition and is a central strategy in Canada’s goal of reaching zero new HIV infections by 2030. Yet uptake remains low among African, Caribbean, and Black communities. In Ontario, Black residents represent 5.5% of the population but accounted for 25% of new HIV diagnoses in 2020 (Ontario HIV Surveillance Initiative). Ongoing medical mistrust, rooted in systemic racism, continues to limit access to care.
“TAIBU is excited to lead this important study that aims to create a more equitable and accessible path to HIV prevention and help dismantle the barriers created by anti-Black racism,” said Liben Gebremikael, Chief Executive Officer of TAIBU CHC. “Everyone, regardless of their background, should have what they need to protect their health.”
The study aims to reduce these disparities by supporting informed, equitable access to HIV prevention while addressing broader social determinants of health.
“Our collaboration with the Safe Steps Project reinforces APAA’s longstanding commitment to community-based leadership in the HIV response,” said APAA executive director Fanta Ongoiba.
“Together, we are building stronger pathways to care that respect the lived experiences, voices, and priorities of ACB communities.”
A recent study co-led by researchers at St. Michael’s Hospital found that Black men were 66% less likely than white men to be aware of PrEP. Among participants in rural areas, Black men were also about 60% less likely to be using PrEP compared to white men.
The findings underscored the urgent need for targeted, culturally relevant interventions to ensure equitable access to HIV prevention across Canada.
“Black CAP is proud to partner on the Safe Steps Program to expand HIV prevention access in our communities. Culturally grounded, community-led approaches like the Safe Steps Program are essential to reducing new infections and ensuring Black individuals can make informed, empowered decisions about their health,” said Elizabeth Mutinda, Executive Director of Black CAP.
About REACH Nexus
REACH Nexus is a national research group working to end HIV, Hepatitis C, and other STBBIs in Canada. A part of the MAP Centre at St. Michael’s Hospital, REACH focuses on reaching the undiagnosed, scaling up testing, improving access to prevention (PrEP and PEP), connecting people to care, and ending stigma. It partners with people living with HIV, service providers, community organizations, public health, industry, and policymakers. Follow REACH on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.
About TAIBU Community Health Centre
TAIBU, meaning "Be in Good Health" in Kiswahili, is a community health centre serving Black-identifying residents of the Greater Toronto Area. TAIBU offers primary care, health promotion, and disease prevention services in a culturally affirming environment tailored to address the needs of marginalized populations facing systemic health barriers.
About Black CAP
Since 1989, Black CAP has supported Black, African and Caribbean communities in Toronto affected by or at risk of HIV and STIs. As Canada’s largest Black-focused AIDS service organization, it provides culturally relevant prevention, outreach and support services. Facing stigma and systemic barriers, Black CAP relies on donors and volunteers to continue its work.
About APAA
Africans in Partnership Against AIDS (APAA), is a community-based, Canadian non-profit charitable AIDS service organization serving African communities in the greater Toronto area. Established in 1993, APAA has supported members of the African community in response to the increased need for those living with HIV/AIDS.
REACH Nexus Media Contact:
Andrew Russell
Senior Communications Specialist, REACH Nexus
andrew.russell@unityhealth.to
Phone: 416-268-7642
