The HIV Self-Test Kit will be available soon in Australian pharmacies from mid-December as a very important additional tool to help people know their HIV status.
The devices will cost $ 25 each and will be first available at Seraphim’s pharmacy in Sydney’s Taylor Square and the 777 pharmacy network in Western Australia, and will be available at other pharmacies after the New Year.
The Australian AIDS Organization Federation (AFAO) and Atomo Diagnostics, the only TGA-approved HIV self-test manufacturer and supplier at the Australian Therapeutic Product Registration Authority (ARTG), are working together to welcome the arrival of a batch of this kit. Did. ..
“To commemorate the beginning of the HIV awareness week, this is very welcome news,” said Darryl O’Donnell, CEO of the Australian Federation of AIDS Organizations (AFAO).
“Testing is absolutely important to prevent HIV infection. Once you know your condition, you can start treatment to completely control the virus and prevent further infections.”
O’Donnell explained that while the stigma and discrimination associated with the disease have been alleviated, it remains a barrier for many who know they are HIV positive.
“The more comfortable we can do our finger stabs at home, the more people will be testing for HIV,” he said.
This news was announced ahead of World AIDS Day on December 1st. The HIV self-test was first approved for sale in Australia in November 2018 and is now available as a self-test kit. Available in Australia from 2019.. However, new initiatives will make them more accessible.
John Kelly, co-founder and managing director of Atomo Diagnostics, has opened a pharmacy channel to provide Atomo HIV self-tests, lifted the ban on product promotion, and sold directly to Atomo’s consumer website. He said it was a big step forward. Fighting HIV infection in Australia.
Kelly says AFAO’s support has helped drive these regulatory changes and believes that it will significantly increase access to HIV self-testing.
Kristian Ray of the Pharmacy777 Group in Western Australia said he is proud to support such an important community health initiative and partner with Atomo Diagnostics to extend the scope of HIV testing to the region.
“Making this self-test available in pharmacies is an important step in the role of regional pharmacies in HIV prevention,” he said.
“We are also working to improve access to state-wide support, including regional locations where local services may be restricted.”
According to AFAO statistics, it is estimated that there will be 29,045 and 3020 HIV-infected people in Australia who did not know their condition in 2019.
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