I’m Ready is a national program designed to make HIV testing access easy.

Launched in 2021, I’m Ready makes HIV testing easy, private and accessible. The program connects people to prevention (PrEP), testing, and treatment – supporting communities most impacted, including African, Caribbean and Black communities, Indigenous Peoples, gay men and other men who have sex with men, women, youth and people who use substances.

The goal of this project is to reach those who are undiagnosed, first-time testers, people in rural and remote areas, and individuals who feel disconnected or have been left behind by traditional health care due to stigma and structural barriers.

Our solution

At the heart of the program is the I’m Ready, Test mobile app. Available on IOS and Android platforms, this app allows users to order up to two free HIV self-test kits for delivery (anywhere in Canada) or pickup at one of 60 participating community agencies across Canada. These tests were approved for use in Canada by REACH Nexus research and advocacy.

The app guides users step-by-step before, during and after testing and allows them to anonymously submit results. Participants also receive personalized follow-up resources, including education on PrEP, PEP, safe sex and confirmatory testing.

For anyone seeking support, I’m Ready, Talk is built into the I’m Ready, Test app and provides virtual health navigation service, offering judgment-free guidance before, during, and after HIV testing. Trained navigators, including individuals with lived experience, assist participants in real-time—through video, audio, or text chat—helping them understand testing, access care and explore prevention options with confidence and privacy.

Our results to date

Between June 2021 and September 2025, more than 14,000 people have been reached.

The I’m Ready, Test app has reached people who were undiagnosed, first-time testers, people in rural and remote areas, and individuals who feel disconnected or have been traditional health care. Over 4,500 results have been submitted, leading to over 60 new HIV diagnoses.

What we found among the participants:

• 2 out of 3 were under 34 years old
• 2 out of 3 identified as cis men; 26% as cis-women; 2% as transgender
• 42% identified as straight; 43% as gay or bisexual, 15% from diverse sexual identities
• 2 out of 3 belonged to at least one “key” populations affected
• 13% lived in small towns or rural areas
• 35% were first time testers and 31% who got another test kit hadn’t tested in over a year

Why this matters

I’m Ready is having real-life impact. It is reaching people who are undiagnosed who can now start their journey to access life-saving treatment, and who can expect now to live a normal lifespan. And by being able to get their virus undetectable, these people can no longer pass the virus on to their sexual partners – so there is a very significant public health benefit to all. With “proof of concept” achieved, the next major hurdle is to implement and scale this program up significantly across Canada. By doing so, we can end HIV in Canada.