Ordering HIV testing kits through the gay dating app Grindr will help “bring about an end to HIV transmissions”, HIV Ireland has said.
The app has 12 million monthly users worldwide and has announced it will be adding a new feature that allows people to order the testing kits free of charge.
“If you’ve got a way that you are testing, and it’s really working for you, then that’s great, and you should stick with that,” Grindr employee Jack Harrison-Quintana told NBC.
“If you don’t, this is an additional way for you to get tested in a way that’s just about as easy as doing an at-home COVID test.”
A HIV test is quick, easy and gives you the power to make informed decisions about your health. #KnowYourStatus this #WAD18. Find out where you can get tested for free here: https://t.co/SKL4Jw3ToV pic.twitter.com/SsKFFsR0qN
— HSE Ireland (@HSELive) December 1, 2018
Ireland will be the first country outside of the United States where the feature will be available and HIV Ireland said they hoped it would make testing easier for people.
“Gay and bi men, including those living in rural areas or those who are not out, I think will benefit maybe the most from being able to access the self test,” HIV Ireland MPOWER Programme Manager Adam Shanley said.
“[It will be] delivered directly to the door and [they can] perform the test quickly and at a time and place that suits them.”
An end to HIV?
Last year, cases of HIV in Ireland doubled, most likely due to the end of COVID-19 restrictions.
Despite this, Mr Shanley said he is hopeful a world without HIV is in sight.
“We’re really committed, I think, to constantly think outside of the box and bring testing options directly to people so that we can increase access to HIV testing and ultimately to bring about an end to HIV transmissions,” he said.
Anyone who is concerned they might have HIV can book themselves a free test with the HSE.
Main image: Popular dating apps Tinder, Plenty of Fish, Bumble app, LOVOO, Badoo, Hinge app, Grindr, Happn and Tantan on an iPhone.
