CONNECT is Australia’s first federally funded program that dispenses free HIV self-test kits from vending machines. The CONNECTing for a Cause by Thorne Harbour Health aims to strengthen pathways to services, treatment and support while addressing barriers to testing experienced by newly arrived migrants, international students, and people from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds.
Led by SAMESH since March 2022, and now Thorne Harbour Health SA, the eight vending machines around the Adelaide metropolitan area have been gaining traction with people from all walks of life wanting to self-test for free. Accessing a HIV self-test kit is simple, anonymous, completely safe and includes links to confirmatory testing and care.
Just head to one of the vending machine locations, scan the QR code, answer a few confidential questions and provide a valid mobile number, then follow the instructions provided.
As the most successful project of its kind globally, CONNECT is proving that the distribution of free HIV self-test kits via vending machines increases testing amongst priority populations. This plays an important role in reaching the UNAIDS targets in Australia.
The Commonwealth Department of Health and Aged Care recently approved funding for a national rollout over 2 years, so CONNECT will be available in every state and territory nation-wide very soon.
SAMESH is a partnership between SHINE SA and Thorne Harbour Health that provides community-based support, education and training about Sexual Health and HIV. For more information including vending machine locations head to the CONNECT webpage.
