Saskatchewan residents now have increased access to free Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) self-testing kits. By reducing barriers to accessing these kits, Saskatchewan health-care teams are at the forefront of actively working to help reduce the stigma of having and testing for HIV.
“Our government is committed to making HIV testing easier and more accessible for everyone in Saskatchewan,” Mental Health and Addictions Minister Lori Carr said. “By expanding access to free self-testing kits, we are empowering people to take control of their health, supporting earlier diagnosis, and helping to reduce the stigma often associated with HIV. This investment strengthens our ongoing work to ensure all residents can access the care and supports they need, when and where they need them.”
With the support of $48,000 in funding from the Government of Saskatchewan, the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) is making it easier to access free HIV self-testing kits; kits can be picked up by members of the pubic at a variety of SHA locations, community-based organizations, First Nations nursing stations, pharmacies, medical clinics and post-secondary institutions. A complete listing of locations providing HIV self-testing kits is available at www.saskatchewan.ca/residents/health/diseases-and-conditions/human-immunodeficiency-virus-hiv/hiv-testing