HIV self-testing kits available in Manitoba
There are nearly 1,300 Manitobans living with HIV, and Nine Circles Community Health Centre anticipates 20 per cent of people living with HIV are undiagnosed.
"People can live well and live productively with HIV. Your greatest risk is not knowing your status and not being able to manage your health effectively," said Mike Payne, executive director of Nine Circles.
I'm Ready to Know, a national research program, is reaching undiagnosed people by offering free HIV self-testing kits. The program emphasizes providing low-barrier access to testing.
Payne said barriers existing in Manitoba range from discrimination, including racism and homophobia, to limited access to clinics.
I'm Ready to Know allows people to order free kits through a mobile app. The kits are mailed directly to the individual or available for pick up at locations like Nine Circles.
Payne added people at risk of HIV infection might not be comfortable visiting a doctor or test site.
"This is a wonderful opportunity for folks to engage in testing in a way that's fully in their control," Payne said.
The app provides users with testing support and connections to HIV care. It also helps researchers learn how to improve HIV testing and care in Canada.
Dr. Sean Rourke, the program's lead scientist, said Canada's health care system works "80 to 90 percent of the time" in getting people connected to HIV care.
"But there are people undiagnosed who aren't getting tested," Rourke explained. "And there are people diagnosed who aren't getting treatment."
Rourke said the testing is a step towards ending the HIV pandemic in Canada.
"[If we're] able to engage those people, support them, get them on treatment, and get them in care, we'd help them actually live almost normal lifespans," Rourke said.
I'm Ready to Know is distributing 50,000 test kits across Canada. More information can be found on its website.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Orca calf that was trapped in B.C. lagoon for weeks swims free
An orca whale calf that has been stranded in a B.C. lagoon for weeks after her pregnant mother died swam out on her own early Friday morning.
'Unacceptable': Trudeau reacts after AFN chief says headdress taken from plane cabin
After the Assembly of First Nations' national chief said her headdress was taken from an airplane cabin this week, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau called the incident 'unacceptable' and a 'mistake' on the part of Air Canada.
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau on navigating post-political life, co-parenting and freedom
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau says there is 'still so much love' between her and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, as they navigate their post-separation relationship co-parenting their three children.
From faulty kids' cribs to flammable kids' bathrobes, here are the recalls of the week
Health Canada issued recalls for various items this week, including kids’ bathrobes, cribs and henna cones.
Taylor Swift dons Montreal designer's dress in 'Fortnight' video
A pair of Montreal designers' work has now been viewed over 41 million times. Taylor Swift dons a Victorian throwback black gown in her latest music video, 'Fortnight', designed by UNTTLD due Simon Belanger and Jose Manuel Saint-Jacques.
'Too young to have breast cancer': Rates among young Canadian women rising
Breast cancer rates are rising in Canada among women in their 20s, 30s and 40s, according to research by the University of Ottawa (uOttawa).
'Violation': CSIS had officer investigated after she reported a superior raped her
A CSIS officer's allegations that she was raped repeatedly by a superior in agency vehicles set off a harassment inquiry, but also triggered an investigation into her that concluded the alleged attacks were a “misuse” of agency vehicles by the woman.
'I was scared': Ontario man's car repossessed after missing two repair loan payments
An Ontario man who took out a loan to pay for auto repairs said his car was repossessed after he missed two payments.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.