HIV Testing Vending Machines Now Available in Canberra

Free HIV self-test kits are now available 24/7 to residents of the Canberra region through a specialized vending machine. This initiative, part of the CONNECT project by Thorne Harbour Health, aims to increase testing rates and reduce HIV transmission by providing a private and accessible way for individuals to determine their status.

The vending machine is located outside the offices of Meridian at 85 Northbourne Avenue in Turner. This marks the first time such a vending machine has been implemented in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT).

Addressing Barriers to Testing

The deployment of these kits is intended to overcome significant obstacles to sexual health screening. According to Meridian CEO Joshua Anlezark, stigma remains a major barrier to testing, particularly for individuals from culturally and linguistically diverse communities.

Mr. Anlezark also noted that the ACT has experienced some of the highest rates of late HIV diagnosis in Australia. Testing rates have remained low, specifically among queer, bisexual, and gay men.

At Meridian’s core is the mission to end HIV transmission and serve people living with HIV until there is a cure for everyone

Joshua Anlezark, Meridian CEO

Public health officials emphasize that early detection is critical, as knowing one’s status allows individuals to access appropriate care and maximize their overall health outcomes.

How to Access and Use the Kits

The process for obtaining a free self-test kit is designed to be straightforward and private. Users are instructed to visit the website https://hivconnect.org.au/ and select Get a Test Kit.

After answering a few questions and providing a mobile phone number, the user receives a code via SMS. To retrieve the kit from the vending machine in Turner, the user must either enter this code or scan the provided QR code.

To ensure the kits are used correctly and accessible to a wide demographic, the following support measures are in place:

• Detailed instructional videos are hosted on the CONNECT website.
• Instructions are provided in multiple languages on the vending machine, inside the test boxes, and on the website.
• Test results are available within 15 minutes of use.

Community Support and Training

To support the rollout of the vending machine, Meridian is conducting free training sessions for allied health professionals and community workers within the Canberra region. These sessions are offered both online and in person.

The training is designed to build confidence and awareness across the health sector. It focuses on increasing the understanding of HIV and providing practical guidance on how to help clients access the CONNECT vending machine and the self-test kits.

Beyond the vending machine initiative, Meridian continues to partner with the Canberra Sexual Health Centre to provide access to PrEP and monthly free sexual health screenings.