New testing technologies for different sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections (STBBIs) are being developed and introduced for wide use across the country. Health Canada is expected to provide final approval for the distribution of HIV self-testing kits in the Fall of 2020. HIV self-testing will enable people to collect their own samples and interpret their test results for screening purposes.
The REACH Nexus team, at the MAP Centre for Urban Health Solutions at St. Michael’s Hospital, is leading the efforts to make new testing options available and accessible for those who need them the most. As a part of the REACH Nexus team, PAN is excited to support this work and will provide information and support to community-based organizations (CBOs) as new testing technologies emerge. With all of the new upcoming information on self-testing, we have created an evolving New Testing Technologies for STBBIs resource page to provide an overview of options and resources to learn more about this shifting testing landscape.
If you haven’t already seen it, we began to share information on these developments over the summer: New Testing Technologies for HIV, Hepatitis C, and Syphilis Self-Testing & Beyond – What does this mean for Community-Based Organizations? (July 30). This new resource page gathers information from national and international sources to provide a comprehensive picture of what the new technologies will look like and why they are so important.
We are excited to be part of this new area of health advocacy and choice for individuals. Learn more by visiting this new page.
Questions? Comments? Get in touch. Oralia Gómez-Ramírez, Evaluation Coordinator, [email protected]