Unleashing Change: Why HIV Testing Must Be Everywhere Now
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Join host James Watson for an insightful discussion on the crucial need to make HIV testing accessible to everyone, everywhere. We dive into why knowing your status is a must, uncovering the latest testing options and breaking down the stigma that still holds too many back.
In this episode, we hear from Mark Fisher of New Zealand’s 'Body Positive' and Rick Galli of REACH Nexus in Canada, offering a dynamic cross-continental perspective on how innovative strategies are transforming HIV testing for the future. Don’t miss this inspiring conversation on expanding access to HIV testing anytime, anywhere.
Our episode guests
Mark Fisher
Executive Director, Body Positive
Mark Fisher has been involved in the HIV sector for over 30 years and is the Executive Director at Body Positive – a support organization for people living with HIV in New Zealand. He has worked previously in Australia and Canada in the Lab space from an IT perspective. Ensuring that all people living with HIV know their status by removing barriers and stigma around testing is top priority for Mark and the first priority of the UNAIDS target for 2030.
Forgiveness or vindication? Have to double check this
Watching the sunrise or stargazing? Sunrise.
Courage or patience? Both - you have to have patience to have courage and I push a lot of boundaries so I have a lot of courage.
Education or experience? Education.
Canoeing or swimming? Neither. Cycling.
Rick Galli
Director of Testing and Clinical Trial Implementation
Rick Galli's career in research and diagnostic laboratory sciences began in 1973 with the Ontario Ministry of Health's Public Health Laboratory in Toronto. Since then he has held senior positions in public, hospital, and private labs and has been directly involved with the leadership of laboratory diagnosis and monitoring of HIV infection. He established Ontario's first peer reviewed HIV/AIDS research grants through the Ontario HIV Treatment Network and helped establish Canada’s first accredited HIV molecular monitoring program at the BC Center for Excellence in Vancouver. Joining bioLytical Laboratories in 2005, he directed clinical and regulatory affairs for the INSTI rapid HIV test before moving to REACH Nexus at St. Michael’s Hospital as the Director of Testing and Clinical Trial Implementation.
Forgiveness or vindication? Forgiveness.
Courage or patience? Courage.
Watching the sunrise or stargazing? Watching the sunrise.
Education or experience? Experience.
Canoeing or swimming? Swimming.
From Lab Coats to Community Heroes: The Future of HIV Testing
You’ve just listened to (or are about to!) our pozcast panel talk about tackling one of the most critical topics in the fight against HIV: testing. Our guests, Mark Fisher and Rick Galli, bring decades of experience from both Canada and New Zealand, offering insights on how HIV testing has evolved and what more needs to be done to achieve the 95-95-95 targets by 2025 to keep us on track to eliminate transmission by 2030. With a focus on breaking down barriers, they delve into the challenges of accessibility and stigma, while exploring how communities are stepping up to fill the gaps.
The 3 key takeaways…
1. The Evolution of Testing
From lab-based models to point-of-care and self-testing, Mark and Rick outline how HIV testing has become more accessible. “It’s about giving people options—whatever works best for them is what we need to provide,” says Mark.
2. Navigating Policy Barriers
Rick emphasizes the role of legacy policies that limit who can administer tests. “If I can give you the kit, I should be able to administer it, too,” he asserts, highlighting the need for policy change to expand testing options.
3. Community-Led Models
Mark discusses the impact of peer-led initiatives in community settings, noting, “When people come to us, they know they’re in a safe space. It’s all about trust and support.”
You normalize it. Like with prenatal testing—everyone gets tested, it’s just part of staying healthy. HIV testing should be the same way. – Mark Fisher
Taking Action: 7 Things You Can Do Now to Support the HIV Community to Tackle Stigma and Amp-Up Testing...
By taking any of these actions––underscored throughout the pozcast––you’re contributing to a world where HIV is no longer a public health threat and helping ensure everyone has access to the support and care they need!
1. Get Tested Regularly: If you are sexually active, make regular HIV testing a part of your health routine. It’s the first step to staying informed and taking control of your health. Find local testing sites or order a self-testing kit online.
2. Share Your Experience: If you’ve gone through HIV testing or know someone who has, share your story on social media or within your community. Personal stories help to demystify the process and reduce stigma.
3. Support Community-Based Organizations: Donate your time, money, or skills to community-led organizations that provide testing, care, and support. These groups are often the backbone of HIV initiatives and rely on public support to keep their services accessible.
4. Advocate for Policy Change: Reach out to your local health authorities and legislators to advocate for better HIV testing policies, like expanding the range of who can administer tests or integrating HIV testing into standard health screenings.
5. Normalize the Conversation: Talk openly about HIV and sexual health with friends, family, and in your social networks. Reducing stigma starts with open dialogue. The more we talk about it, the less fear and discrimination there will be.
6. Get Involved in Peer Support: Consider becoming a peer tester or counselor. Being a trusted support person can have a huge impact on those who may be hesitant or scared to take the first step toward testing and treatment.
7. Stay Informed and Share Knowledge: Keep up to date with the latest research and developments in HIV prevention and treatment, like the blog on this site, Unleashing Change: Why HIV Testing Must be Everywhere Now. Be sure to actively share credible sources and information with your network to help foster a well-informed community.
Self-testing is a game-changer, but we still need that human touch for support. Without community follow-up, people fall through the cracks. – Rick Galli
Episode & Resource Links
- Body Positive New Zealand
- Reach Nexus, Canada
- I-AM.health
- I'm Ready to Know
It’s not just about diagnosing—it’s about linking people to care. We’ve got to be there every step of the way. – Rick Galli
