UBC Faculty of Medicine researchers are leading three research hubs as part of the newly-formed Pan-Canadian Women’s Health Coalition.
The Coalition, comprised of 10 virtual research hubs across Canada, is set to improve health care for women and gender-diverse people and recently received $8.3 million in federal funding from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research’s Institute of Gender and Health and Women and Gender Equality Canada.
The hubs will focus on key priority areas, such as the health of Indigenous Peoples, gender-diverse people, women living with HIV, and women who are incarcerated. They will also focus on reproductive health, prevention of violence against women and girls, and achieving greater equity in health services.
“Every person in Canada, no matter their sex or gender, deserves equitable access to a healthy future while being their true and authentic self,” said the Honourable Mark Holland, Minister of Health. “Congratulations to all the research teams and thank you for your work in improving care so women and gender-diverse communities get the high-quality care they need.”
Grounded in the principles of equity, diversity, inclusion, and Indigenous Rights, the goal of the Coalition is to maximize the visibility and impact of women’s health research and practice in Canada. All 10 hubs across Canada will eventually be linked through an overarching coordinating centre.
Faculty of medicine-led research hubs
Principal Investigator: Lori Brotto, Obstetrics and Gynaecology Project Title: Mobilizing knowledge to improve sexual dysfunction and genito-pelvic pain in women and gender diverse people in Canada
Principal Investigator: Jessica Liauw, Obstetrics and Gynaecology Project Title: Improving pregnancy and reproductive health of people experiencing incarceration in Canada by mobilizing knowledge with community partners
Principal Investigator: Saraswathi Vedam, Midwifery Program, Department of Family Practice Project Title: The Justice and Equity in Perinatal Services Hub: Community-led mobilization of evidence on models of healthcare delivery that advance quality, safety and respect.