MEDIA RELEASE
Monday 7 September 2020

The New Zealand AIDS Foundation (NZAF) has created custom smart vending machines that distribute HIV tests, as an innovative new way of ensuring those most at risk of acquiring and transmitting HIV can test often.

Finding their new homes in local venues where gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men congregate, these vending machines will provide tests to people who can often fall through the gaps of wider public healthcare or need to be discreet about their sexuality.

“We know there are many barriers that stop can people testing for HIV - stigma, cost, accessibility, homophobia, fear, awareness, discretion and more. This is why we are always innovating in this space, to ensure we can meet people where they are and give them the tools they need to take control of their sexual health. This is how we’ll stop further transmission of HIV in our communities. As we know, HIV is most dangerous when undiagnosed,” says NZAF Chief Executive Dr Jason Myers.

“The vending machines can exist in spaces where those who are most at risk gather and gives them an option that is private and accessible. It’s right there in the lobby on their way into these spaces, ready to use without fear of judgement or being ‘outed’.”

NZAF piloted this concept with one vending machine unit in Auckland’s Centurian Sauna. Results from this pilot showed that of those who used the tests, 13% indicated that they had not tested within the last 12 months and 7% had never tested for HIV. This is a good indicator that the vending machines are getting tests to people who need them the most.

Thanks to the support of a grant from the ProCare Charitable Foundation, NZAF was able to put $26,100 toward two brand-new vending machines, due to be installed now that Alert Level 3 lockdown has lifted in Auckland. GSK also contributed $6,500 to help make this project a reality.

ProCare Charitable Foundation chair June McCabe comments, “We know that increasing access to health care drives positive health outcomes and so it’s great to be able to support the New Zealand Aids Foundation’s aim to make accessing an HIV test as simple as possible.”
Myers says NZAF is excited to see how they can extend the impact of this project thanks to the new units.

“Having more of these machines to place in venues will enable more men who may need to be discreet, or aren’t able to have conversations about sexual practice with their healthcare providers, to test themselves in the comfort of their own homes.”

Encouraging regular testing is a key pillar of the HIV response. Testing often ensures that people who contract HIV can know their status sooner, meaning there is less onward transmission. It also means they can begin treatment sooner after infection, which ensures the best health outcomes and halts onward transmission.

Key data:
• Of the 162 people who used the tests, 13% indicated that they had not tested within the last 12 months and 7% had never tested for HIV.
• 98% of vending machine users who completed the evaluation said they would use the machine again.
• 50% of gay and bisexual men are not ‘out’ to their healthcare providers.

Contact:

Ruth Morse
Senior Communications Advisor, ProCare and Fresh Minds
Ruth.morse@procare.co.nz or 021 263 1415