Thanks to leadership from REACH Nexus (CIHR Centre for REACH in HIV/AIDS), we are imminently expecting Health Canada’s approval for Canada’s first HIV self test. This builds off previous changes made in September 2019 making Biolytical’s INSTI HIV POC more accessible for use by non-healthcare providers. In order to support implementation REACH Nexus has launched a survey to find out more about 1) what people know about HIV self-testing 2) how people want to get access to it 3) what supports might be needed 4) how they can be linked to care 5) and how HIV testing and other services may have been impacted by COVID-19.
This HIV self-testing survey is a research study by investigators at the CIHR Centre for REACH / MAP Centre For Urban Health Solutions at St. Michael’s Hospital, and is intended to be completed by those working at the front lines and in the community-based sector across Canada.
Follow this link to complete the survey. The deadline for this survey is August 31st 2020.
If you have questions about self testing REACH Nexus conducted a webinar series on “What You Need to Know about HIV Self-Testing in Canada”. The webinar discusses 1) how HIV self-testing works 2) options to access HIV self-tests 3) why linkage to care is critical for HIV prevention and treatment and 4) the role of technology and community-based solutions to support HIV self-testing. You can find the slides to this presentation here (in English) and here (in French).
Additionally, REACH Nexus has prepared a detailed FAQ on “Implementing HIV-Self-Testing in Canada” for healthcare and community providers. The document covers 1) how the test works 2) considerations for community-based organizations and 3) potential costs of the test. The FAQ can be accessed here (in English) and here (in French).
In preparation for these new testing technologies within the BC Region the Pacific AIDS Network has also been engaged in consultation work to determine how best to support community-based organizations and other allied agencies in engaging with self-testing and other emerging testing options. You can read more here.
Please feel free to share the survey and resources widely.
Questions? Feedback? Get in touch! Leanne Zubowski, REACH Evaluation Coordinator, [email protected]