Reducing infections and stigma: Pop-up HIV testing events coming soon to Regina

WATCH: HIV is a major concern in Saskatchewan, with some of the highest rates in the country. Mick Favel has more on a new testing program.

The University of Regina and AIDS Programs South Saskatchewan (APSS) are working together to try and bring down the numbers of three major illnesses in Regina.

A group of medical personal, academics and community members are teaming up to stop the spread of HIV, Hepatitis C and Syphilis.

The group will be hosting pop up events in pinpointed areas to meet those possibly at risk of catching the illnesses.

The highlighted areas have been chosen using information gathered through a website which tracks all discarded needles in Regina.

The community-based program is called, “3 Infections, 1 Fight: A Community Response.”

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With the new program, those involved hope to address the stigmas associated with the illnesses and get people talking about what is happening in the province.

“If you don’t know your status, you could be transmitting this illness to someone else,” APSS executive director Shiny Varghese told CTV News. “Our goal is to decrease the infections as well as reduce the stigma.”

The report needles website has been gathering information since 2021.

Over that time period, there have been 38,000 needles found throughout Regina.

According to APSS, HIV cases in Saskatchewan are nearly three times the national average.

Heather House is a research assistant at the University of Regina. She said resources will be available on site to for those interested in getting tested.

“We are able to provide the testing, getting those results right away with point of care test. We also have our phlebotomist and nurse on staff to provide that confirmation blood draw,” House said.

The researchers are planning a pop-up tent for Regina’s North Central neighbourhood on July 22.

Funding for the pop-up events was made possible by the Canadian Institute of Heath Research, and the Saskatchewan Health Research Foundation.