Improve access to free HIV self-testing

Regular HIV testing is an important part of maintaining sexual health. Early diagnosis enables people living with HIV to access treatment sooner, improving their long-term health while preventing onward transmission. 

Despite advances in treatment and prevention, some people continue to experience barriers to testing, including concerns about privacy, cost, stigma or accessing a healthcare service. 

Improve access to free HIV self-testing with CONNECT 

CONNECT is an Australian Government-funded initiative that provides free HIV self-test kits through a network of secure vending machines located at universities, community organisations and other accessible locations across Australia. This can help address these barriers by offering a free, discreet and convenient way for people to test for HIV. 

CONNECT aims to make it easier for people to access free, confidential HIV testing, helping to reduce barriers and support earlier diagnosis. 

The program aims to increase HIV testing among people who may face challenges accessing traditional testing services, including international students, people without Medicare, and culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities. 

Key points 

• CONNECT provides free, confidential HIV self-test kits through a network of secure vending machines across Australia. 

• The initiative aims to reduce barriers to HIV testing for people who statistically face barriers to testing, including international students, people without Medicare and culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities. 

• HIV self-testing complements existing testing services provided by general practice and sexual health clinics. 

• General practitioners can support patients by discussing HIV testing options and referring patients with reactive self-test results for confirmatory testing and follow-up care. 

• Patients with a reactive self-test result should be referred promptly for confirmatory laboratory testing and appropriate clinical care. 

• Increasing access to HIV testing supports Australia's goal of virtually eliminating HIV transmission by 2030. 

How CONNECT works 

People can register online to receive a unique code, which is used to collect a free HIV self-test kit from a participating CONNECT vending machine. 

The self-test can be completed privately, with easy-to-follow instructions included in the kit. Information about interpreting test results and accessing appropriate follow-up support and confirmatory testing if required is available online. 

Resources are available in multiple languages to help ensure the program is accessible to a diverse range of communities. 

For more information about CONNECT, including eligibility, participating vending machine locations and multilingual resources, visit the CONNECT website.  

What improved access to HIV testing means for general practice 

General practices play an important role in increasing awareness of HIV testing and supporting patients to access testing in a way that suits their needs. 

CONNECT can provide an additional option for patients who may be reluctant to attend a clinic for testing or who experience barriers such as cost, privacy concerns or limited access to healthcare. It complements existing HIV testing services provided by general practitioners (GPs) and sexual health clinics, rather than replacing them. 

General practitioners and practice teams can encourage eligible patients to consider HIV self-testing as part of routine sexual healthcare discussions, particularly patients who may not test regularly.  

Supporting Australia's goal to eliminate HIV transmission 

Improving access to testing, encouraging more people to know their HIV status, and programs like CONNECT, form part of Australia's broader efforts to virtually eliminate HIV transmission by 2030. 

Increasing the availability of HIV self-testing complements existing testing options offered through general practice, sexual health services and community health providers, helping more people access testing in a way that best suits their needs. 

Resources for health professionals 

• The Australasian Society for HIV, Viral Hepatitis and Sexual Health Medicine (ASHM) provides guidelines that support clinical decision making across HIV testing, prevention, diagnosis, treatment and the ongoing management of HIV-related conditions. 

• Healthcare professionals can visit Brisbane South HealthPathways for local referral pathways and clinical guidance to support patients requiring HIV testing, treatment or specialist care. 

• View available sexual health training oportunities for health providers. 

Resources for your patients 

• Patients can find local sexual health services through Queensland Health or speak with their GP about HIV testing and prevention options.