Research impact: Canada approves first HIV self-tests in long-awaited move to reduce screening barriers

MAP research was instrumental in winning Health Canada’s landmark approval of the first HIV self-test in Canada: a one-minute, finger-prick blood test that can be purchased online and completed at home. Working together with community organizations, the health sector, and funders including Even the Odds, we are now distributing 50,000 HIV free self-testing kits across Canada through innovative mobile apps that support testing and connections to care, and “smart” vending machines that dispense HIV self-tests as well as free naloxone kits, harm reduction supplies and health information.