Press Release
Jan. 6, 2022
National Test Now Community Distribution Project Aims to Make HIV Testing Access Easier During Fifth Wave of COVID
Vancouver, British Columbia — Amid a new wave of COVID infections across Canada, Community-Based Research Centre (CBRC) and 20 community organizations across the country are providing 1,500 free HIV self-test kits to the public.
The goal of this pilot project is to evaluate the efficacy and uptake of new HIV testing technologies while increasing access among gay, bi, trans, and queer men and Two-Spirit and non-binary (GBT2Q) people. GBT2Q people often experience barriers when it comes to testing for HIV and other sexually transmitted and blood borne infections (STBBI) – with a low barrier option for their testing needs.
With rises in COVID cases across Canada, HIV self-testing allows people to get tested for HIV without needing to attend a clinic or engage with health care providers, who are currently being deployed again to support the mass vaccination efforts. “One benefit of the HIV self-test is that you can limit the time spent in close physical contact with people who need testing,” says Chris Draenos, CBRC’s Test Now Research Manager and a registered nurse in Ontario.
“This past year, the pandemic has revealed what many of us already knew – when it comes to sexual health, it can be difficult to get direct access to testing and care,” says Brook Biggin, CBRC’s Program Development Director. “HIV testing dropped significantly in Canada as clinics closed due to the pandemic. But this says nothing about folks who have had trouble accessing testing for years – whether it be because they live in rural areas, do not have adequate resources in the cities where they live, or experience stigma when they navigate the health care system.”
Through the Test Now Community Distribution Project, GBT2Q people in Canada have the option to procure a free INSTI HIV Self-Test kit through a local participating community organization. The INSTI HIV Self-Test kit is a rapid, single-use device that detects HIV antibodies in minutes using a drop of blood (watch a demonstration here). Each project partner distributes kits in a way that works best for their local community, with kit access options ranging from walking into a pharmacy or having a kit hand delivered to your door.
Estimates suggest that there are over 8,000 people living with HIV in Canada who aren't aware of their status (13% of people living with HIV), and don’t have access to treatment. “Although HIV self-testing technology is not for everyone, it has the potential to reach those who experience barriers within a traditional health care setting where they may be subject to intrusive or discriminatory behaviour or practices,” says Draenos. With the introduction of HIV self-testing, Canadians have a new option to help manage their sexual health on their own terms.
“These are people who are going under the radar and we need to empower them to take their own health into their hands and encourage people to get tested for HIV, know their status, and get linked to care and treatment.”
All kits are provided by CBRC with the support of REACH Nexus.
ABOUT CBRC
Community-Based Research Centre promotes the health of people of diverse sexualities and genders through research and intervention development. CBRC’s core pillars – community-led research, knowledge exchange, network building, and leadership development – position the organization as a thought leader, transforming ideas into actions that make a difference in our communities. CBRC was incorporated in 1999 and is a non-profit charitable organization. Our main office is located in Vancouver, British Columbia; we also have satellite offices located in Edmonton, Toronto, and Halifax.
For more information, please visit https://www.cbrc.net/test_now.
For interviews, please contact:
Michael Kwag
CBRC’s Knowledge Exchange and Policy Development Director
Michael Ianni
CBRC’s Media Relations Officer
604.345.7689