HIV self-test kits: They’re here! Now what?
Delivered in partnership by CATIE, REACH Nexus, CBRC and CAAN
In August 2022, the Government of Canada announced an $8 million investment for the purchase and distribution of HIV self-test kits through community-based organizations. These HIV self-tests are a low-barrier option that can increase uptake of HIV testing among people who may not otherwise access it.
Join us for a workshop series geared towards community-based organizations that distribute HIV self-test kits and support people who use them. You can register below for one or more sessions focused on a range of topics related to HIV self-testing.
These workshops will be conducted primarily in English, with English-French simultaneous interpretation. We welcome questions from participants in either English or French.
| Workshop 1 |
|---|
|
HIV self-testing project: information for service providers January 17, 2023 This webinar will provide an overview of why HIV self-testing is important in Canada and the HIV self-test kit distribution initiative funded by the Public Health Agency of Canada. It will also offer participants the chance to ask questions and find out how they can access HIV self-test kits for their clients and communities. Moderator: Shriya Hari, CATIE Speakers:
|
| Workshop 2 |
|
HIV self-testing project: logistics and supply chain management for community-based organizations January 19, 2023 Many organizations across the country are distributing HIV self-test kits through their networks. As organizations join this initiative, there are many questions about how to order the kits, what to do when they arrive, how to store them and more. This workshop will introduce participants to HIV self-test kit distribution logistics and supply chain management, as well as provide time to ask questions. Moderator: Shriya Hari, CATIE Speakers:
|
| Workshop 3 |
|
HIV self-testing project: what, where and how January 26, 2023 This workshop will increase knowledge of HIV testing technologies and approaches to testing, as well as understanding of how HIV self-testing fits within the landscape of other testing approaches in Canada. Throughout this workshop, participants will learn about the importance of testing for HIV and related STBBIs, what testing technologies exist in Canada, as well as key considerations to support people throughout the testing process. Moderator: Shriya Hari, CATIE Speakers:
|
| Workshop 4 |
|
HIV self-testing project: pre-test and post-test conversations February 2, 2023 This workshop will provide an overview of the unique nature of HIV self-testing with regards to how organizations might approach pre- and post-test counseling in the context of HIV self-test kit distribution. It will also outline how peer supports may form an integral component of the HIV self-testing process, linkage to care, and treatment. With support from Elder Albert McLeod Moderator: Shriya Hari, CATIE Host: Tonye Oriakhi, CATIE Speakers:
|
| Workshop 5 |
|
HIV self-testing project: event-based testing February 22, 2023 This workshop will increase participants’ knowledge of event-based testing, which refers to various social settings and outreach days where HIV testing is offered. We will discuss how bringing testing into communities can be an effective way to meet people’s needs and address barriers to testing, such as stigma. Through this workshop, participants will learn how event-based testing fits within the landscape of other HIV-testing approaches in Canada. Participants will also hear about key considerations to support people who get tested at events. With support from Elder Albert McLeod Moderator: Tonye Oriakhi, CATIE Speakers:
|
| Workshop 6 |
|
HIV self-testing project: skills-based workshop on conversations with clients May 4, 2023 This workshop will provide an opportunity for participants to share with each other and practise speaking with clients about HIV self-testing. Through interactive role-play activities, participants will learn different approaches to engaging with clients before, during and after they take an HIV self-test. This workshop will not cover topics discussed during the previous sessions in this series and we strongly recommend participants watch the recordings first, especially workshops 3 to 5. Registration is limited to the first 50 people who sign up. Moderator: Tonye Oriakhi, CATIE Speakers:
|
| Workshop 7 |
|
HIV self-testing project: Workshop for Indigenous service providers May 25, 2023 This webinar is presented in partnership with Communities, Alliances & Networks (CAAN), Community-Based Research Centre (CBRC) and Oahas. As HIV self-tests become more available across the country, Indigenous organizations and leaders have been exploring how to make these tools relevant and accessible in Indigenous communities. This workshop will share wisdom Indigenous service providers have gained through their efforts to increase knowledge of HIV self-tests and improve access within Indigenous communities. Speakers will share how they built their capacity to have conversations about sex and drug use in their communities, as well as how they have supported other Indigenous service providers to have culturally grounded conversations about HIV and testing. They will also share information on how they are engaging in HIV self-test kit distribution and having conversations that are rooted in Indigenous ways of knowing and doing. This workshop is by and for Indigenous service providers who work with Indigenous communities to support health and wellness. Further culturally grounded capacity-building sessions on HIV-self-testing that are open to all will be planned in the near future. With support from Elder Albert McLeod Moderator: Dylan Richards, CATIE Speakers:
|
| Workshop 8 |
|
HIV self-testing project: African, Caribbean and Black community approaches February 5, 2024 Presented in partnership with Black CAP, HIV Edmonton, Ribbon Rouge and Women’s Health in Women’s Hands. Different communities affected by HIV require distinct approaches to HIV self-testing services and community-based organizations play an important role in their design and implementation. The community-led distribution of HIV self-test kits within African, Caribbean and Black communities has ensured a broad reach of testing services that centre the expertise of peers and service providers grounded in these communities. Innovative practices have also emerged that meet unique community needs and increase knowledge, awareness and equitable access in relation to HIV self-testing. This webinar will explore the considerations and challenges that organizations and service providers have encountered, as well as approaches and solutions they’ve developed to facilitate the implementation of HIV self-testing in African, Caribbean and Black communities. All service providers are welcome. Moderator: Natasha Lawrence, Women’s Health in Women’s Hands Speakers:
|
REACH Nexus, Community-Based Research Centre (CBRC), Communities, Alliances & Networks (CAAN) and CATIE have been collaborating on the implementation of an HIV self-testing distribution strategy, supported by the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) and in consultation with community-based organizations, service providers and key populations affected by HIV.
For more information on the training program or to be connected with a partner organization to receive HIV self-test kits, please contact Ayibatonye Oriakhi at aoriakhi@catie.ca.
Need foundational knowledge of HIV prevention, testing and treatment to support your self-testing initiative?
CATIE’s HIV Basics is an introductory-level, fully self-directed course geared toward service providers who work with people at risk of or living with HIV. This course aims to build foundational knowledge of HIV, covering topics such as HIV epidemiology, transmission, testing, treatment, prevention and the long-term impact of HIV infection. HIV Basics will assist front-line service providers to accurately discuss HIV with their clients and provide support around HIV prevention, testing, treatment and care. It takes three to four hours to complete, on your own time.