Evaluation of the CIHR HIV/AIDS and STBBI Research Initiative - Management Response and Action Plan (MRAP)

Introduction

Recommendation 1

CIHR should continue to lead the Government of Canada’s research response to HIV/AIDS and STBBI to address ongoing and emerging research needs.

Management Response: Agree

Action and Rationale Expected completion/implementation date Date of Management Action Plan Action Responsibility for Action
In line with priorities identified in the 'Government of Canada's sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections (STBBI) action plan 2024-2030' and the level of support provided, CIHR will continue to lead the Government of Canada’s research response to HIV/AIDS and STBBI. 2025-26 (Ongoing) May 2025

Vice-President, Research Programs

Director General, Initiative Management and Institute Support

Recommendation 2

CIHR should update the RI funding mechanisms to minimize application barriers and enhance the capacity of early career researchers and populations disproportionately impacted by HIV/AIDS and STBBI to access RI funding.

Management Response: Agree

Action and Rationale Expected completion/implementation date Date of Management Action Plan Action Responsibility for Action

In line with the CIHR HIV/AIDS and STBBI Research Initiative Strategic Plan (2022- 2027), CIHR will continue to:

  1. Identify opportunities to minimize application barriers for racialized people and persons with disabilities within the HIV/AIDS and STBBI Research Initiative by implementing actions from relevant CIHR plans and strategies, ex. CIHR Anti-Abelism Action Plan.
  2. Develop and promote information on eligibility criteria and application processes for community-based organizations,
  3. Offer support through webinars and strengthening workshops with content focused on application processes
  4. Strengthen capacity through focused investments, such as funding opportunities and specific funding pools, for early career researchers and populations disproportionately impacted by HIV/AIDS and STBBI, including dedicated funding for Indigenous Peoples, Black people and other racialized communities.
 2026/27 (ongoing) May 2025

Vice-President, Research Programs

Director General, Initiative Management and Institute Support

Director General, Program Design and Delivery

Recommendation 3

CIHR should strengthen engagement with government and non-governmental organizations to:

  1. Advance research and build capacity for priority populations disproportionately impacted by HIV/AIDS and STBBI.
  2. Coordinate knowledge mobilization of RI-funded research to maximize its use by healthcare and community organizations.

Management Response: Agree

Action and Rationale Expected completion/implementation date Date of Management Action Plan Action Responsibility for Action
  1. CIHR will further engage with government and non-governmental organizations to identify additional opportunities for collaboration and coordination to advance HIV/AIDS and STBBI research and strengthen capacity for priority populations.
 2026/27 (ongoing) September 2025

Vice-President, Research Programs

Director General, Initiative Management and Institute Support

  1. In line with organizational knowledge mobilization-related plans and strategies, CIHR will work with government and non- governmental organizations to develop and deliver activities based on available resources, to advance use of HIV/AIDS and STBBI Research Initiative funded research by healthcare and community organizations.

    CIHR will review its program design elements and integrate approaches to support stronger knowledge mobilization from the HIV/AIDS and STBBI Research Initiative-funded research.

 2026/27 (ongoing) September 2025

Vice-President, Research Programs

Director General, Initiative Management and Institute Support

Recommendation 4

CIHR should improve the availability and monitoring of:

  1. Operating and maintenance expenditure data, specifically direct salary costs.
  2. Performance reporting of RI-funded research to better inform decision-making and communicate impact.

Management Response: Agree

Action and Rationale Expected completion/implementation date Date of Management Action Plan Action Responsibility for Action
  1. CIHR will strengthen processes that improve the internal availability of operating and maintenance expenditures for the HIV/AIDS and STBBI Research Initiative including staffing levels stated in the program authorities and routinely update data on these allocations.
 December 2025 May 2025

Vice-President, Research Programs

Director General, Initiative Management and Institute Support

In collaboration with: Chief Financial Officer
  1. CIHR will review and update reporting and oversight committee processes to strengthen the use of performance reporting information in decision-making, including the design of new funding opportunities. In line with activities related to 3b, CIHR will strengthen communication of performance reporting information to highlight the impact of research funded through the HIV/AIDS and STBBI Research Initiative.
 December 2025 May 2025

Vice-President, Research Programs

Director General, Initiative Management and Institute Support
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