NSW Health has announced a $350,000 pilot project for the installation of public vending machines with HIV self-testing kits.
The MyTest pilot project is to allow access for up to four free HIV self-test kits each month per person from vending machines in strategic locations across the state.
Greater Western Sydney, the University of NSW and the University of Newcastle are listed for the pilot, as well as various places in regional NSW that the department hasn’t yet named.
Authorities say the availability of self-testing aims to overcome existing barriers to HIV testing and to reduce stigma.
The tests are said to be discreet, easy to use and to provide accurate results in just 15 minutes.
The pilot was announced on Sunday, as part of World AIDS Day.
A Kirby Institute 2023 HIV Surveillance Report shows nearly 30,000 people in Australia living with HIV, with an estimated 2,020 of them said to be unaware of their HIV status.
NSW Health Acting Chief Health Officer Dr Michelle Cretikos says once diagnosed, people living with HIV can access medication that allows them to live a healthy, long life while also preventing transmission of the infection to sexual partners.
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