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At the 24th International AIDS Conference in August 2022, the Honourable Minister of Health, Jean-Yves Duclos, announced a new investment of $8 million in funding to make HIV test kits available through community-based organizations to the populations they serve. HIV self-test kits offer a safe, reliable, and confidential way for people to screen for HIV infection while significantly reducing the barriers to seeking care often created by stigma and discrimination.
Visit the https://www.i-am.health/ site to learn more about HIV self-testing.
REACH Nexus is supporting this initiative as the HIV self-test kit distributor and is happy to announce that it has INSTI HIV self-testing kits available for shipping across the country. The program is called Community Link, and is delivered in partnership by CATIE, REACH Nexus, CBRC and CAAN.
If you are an organization who wants HIV self-test kits click HERE to order! Please indicate if you are submitting an initial order or a restock and indicate the number of kits you need for the next 60 days.
These HIV self-tests are a low-barrier option that can increase uptake of HIV testing among people who may not otherwise access it.
You can watch these CATIE workshops geared towards community-based organizations that distribute HIV self-test kits and support people who use them.
| WORKSHOP 1 |
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| HIV self-testing project: information for service providers
This webinar provides an overview of why HIV self-testing is important in Canada and the HIV self-test kit distribution initiative funded by the Public Health Agency of Canada. |
| WORKSHOP 2 |
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| HIV self-testing project: logistics and supply chain management for community-based organizations
Many organizations across the country are distributing HIV self-test kits through their networks. As organizations join this initiative, there are many questions about how to order the kits, what to do when they arrive, how to store them and more. This workshop introduces participants to HIV self-test kit distribution logistics and supply chain management. |
| WORKSHOP 3 |
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| HIV self-testing project: what, where and how
Increase your knowledge of HIV testing technologies and approaches to testing, as well as understanding of how HIV self-testing fits within the landscape of other testing approaches in Canada. Learn about the importance of testing for HIV and related STBBIs, what testing technologies exist in Canada, as well as key considerations to support people throughout the testing process. |
| WORKSHOP 4 |
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| HIV self-testing project: pre-test and post-test conversation
Watch an overview of the unique nature of HIV self-testing with regards to how organizations might approach pre- and post-test counseling in the context of HIV self-test kit distribution. This workshop also outlines how peer supports may form an integral component of the HIV self-testing process, linkage to care, and treatment. |
If you have any questions about ordering HIV self-test kits please reach out to Kristin at REACH: [email protected]. Also visit the https://www.i-am.health/ site to learn more about HIV self-testing in Canada.