Kits can be mailed or picked up in person at the organization’s offices on Spring Garden Road.
The AIDS Coalition of Nova Scotia (ACNS) distributes free HIV test kits.
Coalition’s Shane Pope says quick self-tests are fairly new. Approved by Health Canada November 2020.
“Basically, the results are very fast because the results are available within a minute maximum. The results are meant to be run according to people’s convenience and time,” he told CityNews Halifax. Told.
“They’re not definitive, they just test for HIV antibodies, but they give you some idea of your current status.”
This means that even if it comes back positive, the results should be confirmed with a lab test. If it is positive, you will be referred to a specialist for further treatment.
“HIV self-testing is meant to be another tool in people’s toolbox…We are adding this HIV self-testing to our We really encourage it to be available for use while waiting for HIV or during treatment, they are waiting for an appointment for an HIV test,” the Pope said.
Last Fall, Nova Scotia Health reported an increase For newly diagnosed HIV.
Normally, our state sees 15 to 20 new cases each year, but by the end of August 2022 we already have 20 to 25 new cases.
The Pope said many sexual health centers were forced to close at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, making regular testing difficult.
Moreover, there is still a lot of stigma that comes with positive results.
“We’d like to believe that we don’t exist anymore, but we really do. When people walk through our doors, they see the fear of getting HIV and the fear of being tested, so many People choose not to take tests because they don’t want to know their results,” he explained.
“So we really want to start normalizing HIV testing for everyone.”
The Pope added that people cannot start managing their health until they know their condition.
People in Nova Scotia can contact the Nova Scotia AIDS Coalition to have up to two test kits mailed to them free of charge.
Harigonians can also head to our office at 5516 Spring Garden Road (Sport Nova Scotia building) and pick up up to 5 kits in person.
The person taking the test must prick the head of their finger with a small needle to produce two to four small drops of blood.
Those going to the Spring Garden Road location can take the test there. There, trained staff will provide support and guidance.
For more information, click here902-403-7169 or send an email to [email protected]
