Grant: CIHR Café Scientifique Program

Rates of HIV infection continue to rise in Canada and in Newfoundland and Labrador (NL); however rates of HIV testing have declined in this province. Up to 26% of those infected with HIV do not know their status, therefore barriers to HIV testing must be identified, discussed and overcome. It is recommended that HIV testing should become a routine part of medical care, but concerns about confidentiality, fear of stigma and discrimination, and accessible HIV testing have all been identified as barriers to getting tested. The risk of being criminally charged if someone has HIV and does not disclose their HIV status to sexual partners before having sex is another barrier to 'knowing your status'. This criminalization, or 'law and order' approach, serves to stigmatize people living with HIV and undermines proven HIV prevention strategies and programs. Point of care testing or 'rapid HIV tests' may help overcome some of the barriers by providing more testing opportunities for those with less access to medical care or for those with privacy concerns, while also reducing the anxiety associated with waiting for HIV test results. Presently, point of care testing for HIV is not available in NL as it is in other provinces. Education about the use, advantages and disadvantages of point of care testing is needed. This Café Scientifique event will provide an opportunity for the public to engage in dialogue with a panel of experts and renowned scientists about barriers to HIV testing, and point of care testing as a potential solution. Issues related to criminalization of HIV, along with the associated problems of stigma and discrimination, will also be discussed. This session will be of interest to the general public, including those at risk of and living with HIV. This free event is being hosted by Memorial University, the AIDS Committee of Newfoundland and Labrador, and Eastern Health, with support from the CIHR Café Scientifique program.