QuAC receive free rapid tests in “breakthrough” moment
Image: HIV rapid testing in action. (Photo: Anthony Smith. Supplied.)
THE Queensland AIDS Council (QuAC) have received their first delivery of free rapid HIV kits from Queensland Health since February, in what is being called a “breakthrough” arrangement.
After a month of campaigning QuAC executive director Michael Scott has welcomed the deal that will see the organisation receive 100 free testing kits.
“We are pleased that after many years of operation, our testing services at 30 Helen St are now being supported by Queensland Health through the provision of free rapid tests,” he said.
The news comes after the Star Observer first revealed last month that QuAC had been paying for rapid tests after a Queensland Health trial of the kits was discontinued in February.
It was revealed that while QuAC had been paying $1800 for its packet of kits, other non-governmental health clinics had been receiving the kits free of charge.
The delivery of the rapid kits comes after QuAC signed the Equipment Supply Agreement with Queensland Health, which expires on December 31 this year.
In a press statement this afternoon, QuAC described the agreement as a “significant breakthrough”.
The test kits will be used at QuAC’s new sexual and mental health service Clinic 30, after its upcoming launch on September 19.
