One in five Canadians living with HIV are unaware they have the virus – so it’s important to get tested.
Moncton, Saint John and Fredericton are among the cities involved in the 2nd annual National HIV Testing Day on Thursday, June 27th.
Debby Warren, executive director of Ensemble Moncton, says the point-of-care testing kits being used will give results in under a minute.
“It also gives the opportunity with the nurse doing the testing to talk with you and perhaps connect you with care and support and/or prevention information,” she notes.
Warren says research now shows U=U or Undetectable=Untransmittable.
She says that means someone who is HIV positive but getting treatment is suppressing the virus which makes it undetectable so they can’t transmit the virus.
The clinic is open to anyone in the community and will be held at Ensemble Moncton at the corner of Weldon and Gordon Streets.
Warren adds the visit could take up to half an hour depending on the demand.
Testing takes place on Thursday between 9 am and 3:30 pm.
