Free self-testing HIV kits available
Queenstowners now have access to free HIV home test kits, thanks to a new vending machine installed at The Doctors Whakatipu.
The machine's been installed by the Burnett Foundation Aotearoa, which has been at the forefront of the community response to HIV and AIDS in New Zealand for almost 40 years, and has a goal to end HIV transmission in this country by2030.
Queenstown was chosen as a location for one of the vending machines due to our transient population, including migrant workers, tourists and the rainbow community who live here.
The Doctors Whakatipu co-owner Dr Kim Hurst says they're stoked to support the initiative, noting they have several LGBTQIA+ patients, and the new vending machine will make HIV self-testing kits even more accessible to people who feel they may have been exposed.
People just need to touch the screen on the machine, at The Doctors Whakatipu Frankton practice, and follow the instructions.
A working mobile number or email's required to receive a confirmation code; personal details are kept confidential.
A test will pop out in a plain brown box, with instructions on how to take the HIV mouth swab, which takes about 20 minutes to do, inside.
If the test's positive, the Burnett Foundation Aotearoa will support the person, and link them into appropriate services to access treatment.
The Doctors Whakatipu (Frankton) is open Monday to Friday, 9am till 5pm, and Saturday 9am till 1pm.
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