Organizations say free self-test HIV kits are a "huge step forward" - Regina Leader-Post

The tests are available at 23 locations with several spots in La Ronge, North Battleford, Prince Albert, Saskatoon and Regina.

"We are very, very happy with the fact that they've made these test kits available across the province," said Vidya Reddy, education and information specialist with AIDS Programs South Saskatchewan. Photo by Kayle Neis /Saskatoon StarPhoenix

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That’s what Vidya Reddy, education and information specialist with APSS, said of the government’s announcement this week to give out free kits at 23 locations. He hopes they can meet the demand and ramp up distribution if needed.

“We are very, very happy with the fact that they’ve made these test kits available across the province,” said Reddy. The tests are 99.5 per cent accurate and offer an on-demand option for people who might be at risk of contracting the disease.

He hopes this will make further steps to reduce Saskatchewan’s high rate of HIV infections.

“In 2020, we had 175 new cases that were diagnosed in Saskatchewan,” he said. “Compared to the rate of infection, the HIV infection rate, Saskatchewan has twice the national average.”

Injection substance use and the sharing of needles and other implements drive the high rate of infection, said Reddy, and disproportionately Indigenous people are affected.

The test takes one minute and is easily administered at home.

Leona Quewezance, the program co-ordinator for All Nations Hope, said the ability to get a free test that can be done alone is a huge help to people who might be at risk of contracting HIV. All Nations Hope is one of the 23 spots where a test can be picked up.

“Over the pandemic, testing wasn’t readily available for people. So the frontline services that were normally offered closed down considerably,” she said.

According to Quewezance, she could not believe how fast their 50 test kits flew out of the building.

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“They didn’t sit on the shelves very long, let’s just put it that way. They didn’t collect dust,” she said.

There are a number of benefits to the way these kits are administered, according to Quewezance. She hopes those afraid of the stigma associated with such a test can now do one in private, breaking down a barrier for people who have previously hesitated to get tested.

“Linking people to care, treatment and support, it always hasn’t been friendly when people go to a hospital. And needless to say, the hospitals are busy,” she said.

“Some people already know they’ve been at risk for communicable diseases, so this will just help confirm it.”

In a release from the Government of Saskatchewan, Health Minister Paul Merriman said, “We have seen the clear benefits of having quick and easy access to at home testing options.”

The full list of locations giving out the tests is available online, but there are multiple locations in La Ronge, North Battleford, Prince Albert, Saskatoon and Regina.

Reddy emphasized the importance of seeking treatment and counselling should a test come back positive. He said there is a great deal of shame and stigma around HIV, but there is an effective treatment that can be offered. At this point, Reddy said a person can live with HIV with a virtually zero chance of spreading it.

“If the person has an undetectable viral count, and practises safe sex and remains on treatment, they cannot spread HIV so undetectable, equals untransmittable,” he said.

alsalloum@postmedia.com

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Organizations say free self-test HIV kits are a "huge step forward" - Regina Leader-Post
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