I'm Ready, a national program that distributes free HIV self-testing kits across Canada, has now expanded access to HIV self-testing in Canada, and is now offering an oral swab test that was recently approved by Health Canada.
For many years, the only HIV at-home testing option available in Canada was the INSTI finger-prick test, which requires a small blood sample. But, in February, Health Canada approved OraQuick, the country’s first oral self-test that provides results in about 20 minutes after swabbing the upper and lower gums.
People across Canada will now be able to order either test free of charge through the confidential I’m Ready program, led by St. Michael’s Hospital in Toronto. Users of I’m Ready will also now be able to connect directly to licensed clinicians at Freddie and at Felix, two virtual sexual health services that provide HIV prevention and care.
Dr. Sean B. Rourke, a scientist at St. Michael’s Hospital and director of REACH Nexus who developed I’m Ready, said the expansion will further reduce barriers to testing, particularly for people in rural, remote and underserved communities.
“The sooner people get tested and get on treatment, the better for how long they’re going to live and how many complications they’re going to have," Dr. Rourke said.
Read more in the Globe and Mail here:
