Program to Access Treatment for HIV and Support (PATHS)

The Manitoba (MB) HIV Program’s “Program to Access Treatment for HIV and Support ” or “PATHS,” is adapted from the British Columbia’s Seek and Treat for Optimal Prevention of HIV/AIDS (STOP HIV/AIDS) program.

PATHS was initiated in response to the MB HIV Program 2018-2021 “calls to action” to maximize “treatment as prevention (TasP),” by enhancing the program’s outreach efforts in communities highly impacted by HIV. TasP is the proven concept that early access to antiretroviral therapy (ART) improves quality of life for PLHIV, curbs HIV transmission and averts healthcare costs.

PATHS delivers comprehensive services to and provides intensive case management for PLHIV in MB who are not linked to HIV care or precariously linked to HIV care. The goal of the program is to:

Provide wrap-around care with psychosocial supports to PLHIV,
Offer and link to Indigenous led and culturally safe care,
Support PLHIV to access and adhere to HIV treatment medication, and
Support PLHIV to transition to long term primary care services.

What are the guiding principles of PATHS?

PATHS is grounded in the principles of psychosocial rehabilitation (PSR), is guided by the Indigenous Healthcare Quality Framework (IHQF) and uses several service delivery features from assertive community treatment (ACT), which is described as “a way of delivering comprehensive and effective services to consumers who have needs that have not been well met by traditional approaches to delivering services.”

Where are PATHS services delivered?

PATHS is available in Winnipeg and Brandon. Services are delivered in non-traditional settings which may include community spaces, agencies and drop-ins, shelters, encampments, residences, correctional settings, withdrawal management centres, primary care clinics, hotels, parks and streets.

Who can refer to PATHS?

Referrals to PATHS may be considered by the MB HIV Program care sites or public health in areas where PATHS is available.