WINNIPEG — The federal government is dispatching 80,000 HIV self-test kits across Canada to expand access to HIV prevention. “HIV is a manageable condition, and people living with HIV deserve to live healthy, full lives without stigma or discrimination,” Manitoba Liberal MP Doug Eyolfson announced Thursday. “This funding is about making it easier for people to get tested, know their status, and access the care and support they need.” Ottawa will provide $5 million to increase access to the kits and to hire peer-based support workers for communities facing the highest burdens of HIV. There is $2 million for the tests and $3 million for peer support networks. The federal government says 2,300 new HIV diagnoses were reported in 2024, and an estimated 7,000 people live unaware they have HIV. HIV, short for human immunodeficiency virus, attacks the immune system. Without treatment, it can weaken the body’s defences and progress to AIDS, which can be life-threatening. Advocates say self-tests can be a way to overcome barriers -- including racism and geography – that could prevent people from seeking help. A breakdown of where the tests will be distributed is being finalized. Dr. Joss Reimer, Canada’s chief public health officer, said underserved communities are the priority. “That would include community organizations working with Indigenous populations, men who have sex with men, Black communities and other racialized communities, and people who inject drugs,” Reimer said. The Manitoba Harm Reduction Network, an advocacy group that works to reduce the transmission of sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections, said the self-tests are just the start and there needs to be followup help. “Being able to access dignified care is also part of the plan,” said Shohan Illsley, the network’s executive director. The issue is comparatively acute in Manitoba. In May, the province declared a public health emergency over HIV rates that it estimates are three times higher than the rest of Canada. In 2024, the province reported a rate of 19.5 cases per 100,000. The national rate was about a quarter of that. The province said new cases have been increasing over the last six years, with 328 detected last year compared with 90 in 2019. It called for more help from Ottawa to address the sharp rise in cases. Uzoma Asagwara, Manitoba’s health minister, said Thursday’s announcement was a “big step” in addressing the issue but promised to continue to advocate for more investments. The funding was welcomed by CATIE, an advocacy group that provides information on HIV and hepatitis C. It said it will help get Canada closer to its commitment to eliminate HIV as a public health concern by 2030. “With Canada reporting a 23 per cent increase in estimated HIV infections, community-based workers have their work cut out for them,” said Jody Jollimore, executive director of CATIE. “To keep the epidemic under control, we need long-term commitment.” This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 10, 2026. Brittany Hobson, The Canadian Press
