Services
Connecting Communities to Care, Prevention, and Support
HIV Buddies is a positive network committed to creating a culturally sensitive, anti-racist, and supportive environment for South Asian, Middle Eastern, North African (MENA), and Muslim communities in Canada. We connect individuals to HIV prevention, treatment, and care services rather than providing them directly, bridging communities with trusted clinics, healthcare providers, and harm reduction resources. Through multilingual, peer-led education and outreach, we address barriers linked to culture, poverty, and racism while promoting inclusive conversations about sexual health, substance use, and HIV/HCV. HIV Buddies actively supports the inclusion, visibility, and leadership development of GBMSM,Transgender and Queer Community.
Our Services
HIV Prevention
HIV prevention focuses on helping people protect themselves and others from acquiring HIV. Prevention can include using condoms, taking PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis) if you are HIV-negative, and ensuring people living with HIV have access to treatment and remain undetectable (known as U=U – Undetectable = Untransmittable). Reducing the sharing of needles or drug equipment through harm reduction services is also an important way to stay safe. Education, regular testing, and open conversations about sexual health further support prevention.
How people can protect themselves:
- Use condoms consistently and correctly during sex
- Consider PrEP if at high risk of HIV
- Get tested regularly for HIV and STBBIs
- Encourage partners and peers to know their status
- If HIV-positive, stay on treatment to reach and maintain an undetectable viral load (U=U)
- Use harm reduction services to access sterile injection or smoking supplies
Organizations offering prevention services in Toronto
HQ Toronto
Free HIV/STI testing, PrEP/PEP and Treatment Access.
Hassle Free Clinic (Toronto)
Free HIV/STI testing, PrEP/PEP access.
PWA
The Toronto People With AIDS Foundation (PWA) provides practical support services to people living with HIV/AIDS in Toronto.
The 519
LGBTQ2S+ community centre offering HIV prevention, sexual health resources, and referrals
Casey House (Toronto)
HIV hospital offering care, prevention education, and harm reduction
HIV Treatment
HIV treatment involves taking antiretroviral therapy (ART), a combination of medicines that helps people living with HIV stay healthy and live long lives. Treatment reduces the amount of HIV in the body to an undetectable viral load, which keeps the immune system strong and prevents transmission to others (U=U: Undetectable = Untransmittable). Starting treatment as early as possible is important—it improves health outcomes and lowers the risk of other infections. Ongoing medical care, mental health support, and harm reduction services also play a key role in treatment success.
Why early care matters:
- Protects your immune system and overall health
- Prevents HIV from progressing to AIDS
- Reduces risk of transmitting HIV to sexual partners (U=U)Provides access to support for mental health, housing, and harm reduction needs
Organizations providing HIV treatment in Toronto
HQ Toronto
Hassle Free Clinic (Toronto)
Toronto General Hospital
Immunodeficiency Clinic (IDC): One of the largest HIV treatment centres in Canada
Casey House (Toronto)
PWA
The Toronto People With AIDS Foundation (PWA) provides practical support services to people living with HIV/AIDS in Toronto.
Support Groups
HIV Buddies offers safe, welcoming, and peer-led spaces where people can connect, share experiences, and support one another. Our support groups focus on the unique needs of South Asian, Middle Eastern, North African (MENA), and Muslim communities, as well as GBMSM, transgender persons, sex workers, and queer individuals who may also use substances.
In these groups, members can openly discuss HIV treatment, mental health, stigma, relationships, harm reduction, and everyday challenges. Peer facilitators,who share lived experience, provide guidance, resources, and encouragement, helping participants feel less isolated and more empowered.
How to join:
- Attend in-person sessions hosted with partners such as HIV Buddies community organizations
- Join our virtual support circles through Zoom for confidential and accessible participation
- Contact us at info@hivbuddies.ca or follow us on Facebook / Instagram @hivbuddies for updates on group schedules
- All sessions are free, confidential, and available in multiple languages