Pharmacists back HIV self-test push

COMMUNITY pharmacists are set to offer HIV self-tests in store from the middle of next month, following the Therapeutic Goods Administration’s decision to authorise their supply in Oct (PD

01 Nov).

Atomo Diagnostics Managing Director, John Kelly, said the decision to open pharmacy channels for supply of the company’s Atomo HIV Self-Test and the removal of prohibitions on advertising the product direct to consumers, was a step forward in the fight against HIV transmission in Australia.

“The significant broadening in the availability of HIV self-testing, reinforces just how critical a role self-testing increasingly plays in the delivery of improved health outcomes,” he said.

The Atomo test kits will initially be rolled out through the Pharmacy 777 network in Western Australia, and Sydney’s Serafim Pharmacy, with the devices retailing for $25 each.

Pharmacy 777 Group’s Kristian Ray welcomed the introduction of HIV testing services in pharmacies.

“Having the self-test available in pharmacy is an important step in community pharmacy’s role in HIV prevention,” she said.

“We are also working to improve access to support across the State including regional locations where local services may be limited.”

Australian Federation of AIDS Organisation (AFAO) CEO, Darryl O’Donnell, said the self-test kits were a critically important tool to help people know their HIV status.

“Once people know their status they can start treatment which allows them to completely suppress the virus, preventing further transmission,” he said.

“Testing is the first step and this device gives people who wish to test the choice to do so at home.

“While stigma and discrimination are easing they still present barriers for many people knowing their status. Being able to perform a finger prick test in the comfort of your own home will encourage more people to test for HIV.”

O’Donnell noted that there was compelling Australian research showing that access to self-tests would increase testing among people who would not otherwise see a doctor to get tested, or who need to test regularly.