December 1 marks World AIDS Day, a time to honour those lost to AIDS-related illnesses and to show support for people living with HIV. It’s also an opportunity to recognize the progress we’re making together.
At Ottawa Public Health (OPH), expanding access to HIV prevention and testing remains a key priority. In just six years, access to HIV PrEP - a medication that prevents HIV - has grown significantly. More primary care providers are prescribing PrEP, and online services like The PrEP Clinic and freddie™ have made starting PrEP easier than ever.
This year, GetaKit partnered with freddie™ to help clients interested in PrEP connect seamlessly to care. Since launching in July 2025, nearly 1,200 clients have been offered PrEP through the partnership, with more than one-third choosing to begin the referral process.
For those who prefer in-person care or face financial barriers, the Sexual Health Clinic’s PrEP-RN program offers low- or no-cost PrEP and referrals to community providers. Many clients appreciate the convenience of online options, but in-person support remains essential for those who need it.
OPH also continues to distribute free condoms at the Sexual Health Clinic, community events, and through partner agencies.
We’re equally committed to making HIV testing accessible. Testing is available at our 179 Clarence Street clinic, through Harm Reduction Outreach Services, and via GetaKit. Clients can choose confidential or anonymous testing, point-of-care or laboratory testing, or even an at-home self-test kit. While self-tests are less sensitive for very recent infections, they offer a convenient, discreet option. Laboratory testing remains the gold standard for detecting newer exposures.
From January to September 2025, the Sexual Health Clinic completed over 1,650 HIV tests, while GetaKit distributed more than 680 self-test kits and 5,390 serology requisitions.
Improving access to HIV prevention and testing is essential and while there is more work to do, we are proud of the progress made and grateful to our partners and community for moving this work forward together.
For more information, please visit OttawaPublicHealth.ca/AIDS and HIV.
