Dr. Sean B. Rourke, director of REACH Nexus at St. Michael’s Hospital (Unity Health Toronto), speaks with the Canadian Press about the federal government’s decision to sunset funding for an HIV self-test program.
Dr. Rourke, a scientist who was a principal investigator in a study that helped get the tests approved in Canada, said it doesn’t make sense not to extend funding.
“This program has worked,” he said. “There’s no question.”
The INSTI HIV self-tests uses a drop of blood to deliver results in about a minute. The program was to expand to include a test for both HIV and syphilis, which was approved by Health Canada last year.
The self-testing kits can bridge that gap, he said, adding data shows they work.
“Cost isn’t an issue. This program works. We have data showing that it’s effective. We have engagement,” Rourke said.
“Why not keep on funding it, right? There’s just no good reason not to.”
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