Australians will soon be able to test themselves for HIV with kits to be sold at pharmacies.
The test kits will cost $25 each will be available from mid-December at Serafim's pharmacy in Sydney's Taylor Square and the 777 pharmacy network in Western Australia.
More pharmacies will begin selling the test kits in the new year.
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"As we mark the start of HIV Awareness Week, this is a very welcome piece of news," CEO of the Australian Federation of AIDS Organisations, Darryl O'Donnell, said.
"Testing is absolutely critical to preventing HIV transmission. Once people know their status they can start treatment which allows them to completely suppress the virus, preventing further transmission.
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"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."
In 2019, there were 29,045 people estimated to be living in Australia with HIV, according to the Australian Federation of AIDS Organisations.
In the same year, about 3020 Australians were unaware they were HIV-positive.
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