Ottawa commits $5M to expand HIV self-testing and peer support across Canada
The Canadian federal government has announced a $5 million investment to expand HIV self-testing kits and peer support services. The initiative aims to reach underserved communities and reduce the number of undiagnosed HIV cases across the country.
Why it matters
Increasing access to low-barrier testing is a critical public health strategy to improve early diagnosis and link individuals to life-saving treatment.
The federal government is investing $5 million to expand access to HIV self-testing and peer-based support services across Canada, with a focus on communities facing the greatest barriers to testing and care.
The funding was announced Sept. 10 by Winnipeg West MP Doug Eyolfson on behalf of federal Health Minister Marjorie Michel, alongside Chief Public Health Officer Dr. Joss Reimer.
The investment will increase access to HIV self-test kits and support the hiring of peer workers through community organizations. Officials say the goal is to make testing easier to access, encourage earlier diagnosis and connect people with treatment and prevention services.
About 2,300 new HIV diagnoses were reported in Canada in 2024, while the federal government estimates roughly 7,000 people living with HIV do not know their status.
Reimer said knowing a person’s HIV status remains an important first step in accessing treatment and care.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in