News & Updates

Long-acting injectable PrEP (Apretude) is now approved in Canada and offers an effective alternative to taking daily pills to prevent HIV. This long-acting option consists of one injection every two months, and like daily oral PrEP, is 99% effective at preventing HIV. Since 2025, Apretude has been listed as an open benefit under the federal Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) program, which Status First Nations and Inuit people across Canada can access. In BC, the responsibility for these benefits is held by First Nations Health Authority. First Nations Health Authority has an arrangement that access to all antiretrovirals, including Apretude, is managed through the BC-CfE.

For Status First Nations people, an exceptional appeal process may provide access to Apretude at no cost. Accessing Apretude via private insurance may also be an option for some Indigenous folks with or without NIHB.

We recommend reaching out to the The HIV Prevention Case Management team at Ribbon Community (My Sex Support), who are available to work one on one with people who do not have HIV to explore this aforementioned appeal process, options to access oral PrEP, as well as other harm reduction and sexual health choices.

Since 2016, HIM has been advocating for expanded access to the province’s free HPV vaccine program through our health promotion campaign, Get Garded (getgarded.ca). The HPV vaccine can prevent cancers caused by HPV, and we know that gay men face a higher burden of HPV infection (up to 20 times more likely than heterosexual men to develop anal cancer). Men living with HIV are at even greater risk. 

In 2024, HIM launched #getgardedforlife, a campaign that encouraged community members to contact their local politicians and decision-makers directly about the need to expand free HPV vaccine access in BC. We were one of many organizations that advocated and shared stories with policy and lawmakers.  

Previously, the vaccine was only free for men who have sex with men up to 27 years old in BC. Today, we’re proud to report advocacy efforts have paid off. As of July 31, the eligibility criteria has been expanded to include: 

• Individuals aged 27 to 45 who self-identify as gay, bisexual, or other men who have sex with men, including Two-Spirit, transgender, and/or non-binary people—whether sexually active or not, and including those questioning their orientation.  

BC’s Minister of Health provided a quote saying: “The HPV vaccine is a powerful tool to protect health and prevent cancer… By expanding free access and making it easier for people to get immunized, we’re taking another meaningful step forward in our 10-year Cancer Action Plan—reducing cancer rates and improving health outcomes for people across British Columbia.” 

This change would not have happened without the outpouring of support from community members like you, who took time to advocate for equitable access. HIM thanks you and reminds you to get your HPV vaccine if you haven’t already. 

“Gay, bi, queer men and gender diverse people do not have the same life course as our neighbours. Our lives, our paths, and our timelines are different, and we deserve the same protections. This is a landmark victory for our communities, and proof of what good science, community advocacy, and supportive governments can do when we work together.” 
— Aaron Purdie, Executive Director, HIM (Health Initiative for Men) 

Vancouver, BC – HIM would like to acknowledge the announcement made by the WHO (World Health Organization) declaring mpox (monkeypox) a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) and would like to remind our community that the situation in British Columbia remains unchanged by this announcement.   

The current situation in Africa has raised global concerns, including issues of health equity. The variant of the virus that is being referred to in this PHEIC is different than the one that was found in the 2022 outbreak in BC. The variant being referred to in the current PHEIC is mainly spreading in Central and East Africa, including countries like the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, Uganda, and Burundi. The WHO has declared mpox a global health emergency due to the rapid spread and increased case counts in these regions, where access to the mpox vaccine was limited throughout the outbreak.    

At HIM, we have been working closely with Vancouver Coastal Health and all regional health authorities to ensure that our community has access to the mpox vaccine. Collectively, we have set up pop-up vaccination clinics in key areas like Davie Village, Wreck Beach, and during pride events, making it convenient for those eligible to get vaccinated. These efforts are crucial in keeping our community safe.  

The results of our vaccination campaign have been promising. Since the summer of 2022, the number of mpox cases in British Columbia has decreased significantly. While there are still a few active cases in the province, the risk of exposure remains low.  

The proactive measures taken by our governments, local health authorities and community organizations have significantly reduced the risk locally. The combination of community action, vaccination campaigns, public health monitoring, and community support ensures that the affected communities in Vancouver and across BC remain well-protected from mpox.    

HIM will continue our collaboration with the British Columbia Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC) as well as the province’s health authorities to ensure health promotion messaging remains relevant and community informed providing up-to-date information and resources to help prevent the spread of the virus. For more information or to find a vaccination clinic near you, please visit checkhimout.ca/mpox/vaccination.

Health Initiative for Men (HIM) has been selected as the recipient of a generous $10,000 donation from 100 Gay Men for a Cause, a locally organized network of gay men dedicated to supporting charitable causes in the community.

100 Gay Men for a Cause operates on a unique model where members gather quarterly to listen to pitches from local charities and vote on which organization will receive the funds. The charity with the highest number of votes receives $10,000, while the two runners-up receive $2,500 each.

HIM was deeply honored to receive the top donation, which will be dedicated to the expansion of the HIM on Davie Health Centre. The funds will be used to set up a new clinic space, complete with four examination rooms. This expansion aims to reduce turn-aways and enable HIM to serve a greater number of community members each year.

“We are incredibly grateful to 100 Gay Men for a Cause for their generous donation,” said Aaron Purdie, Executive Director at HIM. “This funding will make a significant impact on our ability to provide essential health services to the GBQ men and gender diverse communities in Vancouver.”

HIM on Davie Health Centre provides a range of health services, including sexual health testing, counseling, and community support programs. The expansion of the clinic space will allow HIM to enhance its capacity and reach more individuals in need of care and support, in a safe and supportive environment.

The donation from 100 Gay Men for a Cause underscores the importance of community support in advancing health initiatives and addressing the needs of marginalized populations. HIM looks forward to utilizing the funds to expand its services and make a positive impact on the health and well-being of the GBQ men and gender diverse communities in Vancouver.

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The Two Other Charities:
HIM was honoured to pitch alongside two important communities organizations who also deserve community support: