A research project called the APPROACH Study was initiated last year by the School of Pharmacy at Memorial University and the Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Science at the University of Alberta.
The study found that a pharmacy-based testing model for HIV is effective in reaching a portion of the population who might be at risk for HIV, and who have never been tested.
The study offered free HIV testing in many Newfoundland and Labrador and Alberta pharmacies over a six-month period.
The goal of this initiative is to implement rapid HIV testing programs to reach those at risk.
“Getting tested is more important than ever because people who have HIV can live long and healthy lives, as long as they know they’ve been infected and they are linked to care,” said Dr. Debbie Kelly, co-principal investigator in the study.