HIV testing kits now available at some N.S. public libraries

A Nova Scotia organization says more work is needed to prevent the spread of HIV.

To do that, it is now providing at-home screening kits to some public libraries similar to the ones handed out for COVID-19 testing.

The Health Equity Alliance of Nova Scotia says testing is key to lowering the infection rates of HIV — the virus that causes AIDS — and other sexually transmitted infections.

"STI testing infrastructure in Nova Scotia is really, really atrociously underserved," said Chris Aucoin, the executive director of the alliance.

"We know from research done in other parts of the world that the cornerstone of any reduction in HIV rates is based on access to tests."

The alliance, formerly known as the AIDS Coalition of Nova Scotia, provides HIV support and prevention services across the province.

Aucoin says the advancement of at-home testing technology has opened up new opportunities to slow the spread of the virus across the country.

His group lost funding to distribute the HIV tests in April but since then has arranged a deal with four library groups, allowing people to pick up testing kits at branches of Cumberland Public Libraries, Pictou-Antigonish Regional Library, South Shore Public Libraries and Eastern Counties Regional Library.

Test results within 2 minutes

Accessing an HIV test at a library is designed to be hassle-free, and testing kits are also available through the coalition's website.

"Unlike a COVID-19 test where you swab your nose, in this case it comes with a little pricking mechanism that pierces the tip of your finger so you can get a drop of blood," Aucoin said.

"And then you wait two minutes to get your results. And within two minutes from start to finish, you've got your outcome."

Michelle Greencorn, community engagement manager with Eastern Counties Regional Library covering the counties of Guysborough, Richmond and Inverness, says the service is part of the ever-expanding role libraries play in rural or underserved communities.

"[People] are able to go in and access those products without having to identify themselves or speak with anyone, but certainly staff is there to assist them if they do have some questions," she said.

"We've had the kits in place for a couple of weeks now, I believe, so not quite sure what the uptake has been quite yet. So that's why we're hoping to get the message out there so people know they're available if they need them."

33 HIV cases in N.S. last year

According to the Department of Health and Wellness, there were 33 reported cases of HIV in Nova Scotia last year.

The rate of HIV infections in men (26) was nearly four times that of women (7).

HIV can be controlled through proper medical care so that it's not transmitted to others but it cannot be entirely cured.

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