BC-CfE laboratory assisting Ukraine’s HIV drug resistance survey

posted on March 4, 2024

The BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS (BC-CfE) laboratory is dedicated to advancing global HIV/AIDS research and care through cutting-edge initiatives, clinical testing, and collaborative partnerships. As one of six WHO-designated specialized laboratories within the WHO HIV ResNet Drug Resistance lab network, the BC-CfE laboratory provides capacity, training and support to increase the availability of HIV drug resistance testing worldwide.

This work becomes even more important in the midst of global challenges. It is for this reason that the BC-CfE laboratory is currently assisting the Ukraine Ministry of Health with its representative national HIV drug resistance survey.

Ukraine is currently navigating a complex landscape that has significantly disrupted HIV care in the region. Despite challenges imposed by Russia's invasion that began in February 2022, Ukraine has nevertheless managed to expand access to HIV prevention, testing and treatment.

The BC-CfE's support of this survey will further Ukraine's efforts in HIV care by providing crucial population-level HIV drug resistance prevalence data that will ensure that treatment practices in the region continue to adapt to a changing HIV drug resistance landscape
- -Dr. Chanson Brumme, Assistant Director, BC-CfE Research Laboratory

The BC-CfE's collaboration with Ukraine is a testament to the dedication to supporting the evolving needs of organizations that serve people living with HIV worldwide. This work is also highly meaningful to BC-CfE laboratory team members, two of whom are originally from Ukraine. In the words of one team member: “In the face of challenges, the spirit of resilience echoes through our efforts, and we proudly declare, ‘Слава Україні!’ (Glory to Ukraine!)”. This survey not only advances HIV care but also stands as a beacon of hope for a brighter future in the fight against HIV, fostering unity within our global community.

BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS

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BC-CfE laboratory assisting Ukraine’s HIV drug resistance survey

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