AI Chat Search Browse Media On This Day Map Quotations Timeline Research Free Datasets Remembered About Contact

NZAF explains new HIV home-test policy

Thu 30 Apr 2015 In: New Zealand Daily News View at Wayback

The NZ AIDS Foundation has explained its apparent about-face on HIV home test kits, which will see it start a pilot programme for test users next year. With the UK and Australia embracing such kits, the NZAF, while it still has reservations about people relying on the home tests, is now acknowledging that people are increasingly likely to want to use them and therefore support and information should be provided. "If these kits are going to be accessible, and they already are available through the internet, then we need to be proactive and define the best way to use them," says NZAF Executive Director Shaun Robinson. In the past the NZAF has cautioned against the use of HIV home-test kits due to possible inaccuracy of some brands, the need for them to be used properly and the personal implications of the results, positive indications in particular. He says the NZAF is now considering providing or endorsing a reliable brand of home-test kit and providing information and support online and by phone. Robinson acknowledges that, properly used and supported, home-test kits may have a legitimate place in it's ongoing programme of encouraging sexually active men who have sex with men to test regularly. That programme will be the focus of a wide-ranging 'get tested' promotion the Foundation kicks off tomorrow. Very few people are currently using the home test kits at present, Robinson believes, "and we don't expect to open a floodgate by endorsing the use of a good quality test kit backed up by good information and support." Robinson believes easier access to the kits and information may well benefit some people who currently are reticent about accessing HIV tests at locations such as sexual health clinics or the NZAF's centres.    

Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff

First published: Thursday, 30th April 2015 - 11:27am

Rights Information

This page displays a version of a GayNZ.com article that was automatically harvested before the website closed. All of the formatting and images have been removed and some text content may not have been fully captured correctly. The article is provided here for personal research and review and does not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of PrideNZ.com. If you have queries or concerns about this article please email us