MISTR to fund 2 million free HIV and hepatitis C tests across America

A gay-owned US sexual health company has committed to paying for two million free HIV and hepatitis C tests, with the huge testing programme set to run across America through the end of 2027.

MISTR is an online healthcare company specialising in sexual health, with services available across all 50 US states, Washington DC and Puerto Rico. People can use the platform to access services including HIV prevention medication, STI testing, hepatitis C testing and treatment, and long-term HIV care without having to visit a traditional doctor's office.

The company has now committed to funding one million free HIV tests and one million free hepatitis C tests, with MISTR itself paying for all two million. The initiative was announced at the Clinton Global Initiative Annual Meeting this week.

MISTR is asking major US retailers, pharmacy chains and dating apps to help distribute the tests nationwide. The first stage will focus particularly on communities and areas heavily affected by HIV.

Testing is only part of the programme because people will also be connected with prevention or treatment depending on their results.

Someone who tests negative for HIV can be connected with PrEP through MISTR. PrEP, or pre-exposure prophylaxis, is medication taken to greatly reduce the risk of acquiring HIV. Anyone receiving a positive HIV result can instead be connected with long-term care, while people diagnosed with active hepatitis C can be directed towards treatment.

MISTR says its online model is designed to remove some of the barriers people can face when accessing sexual healthcare, offering services without requiring a traditional doctor's appointment. Its services are also available to people without insurance.

The latest commitment takes that approach much further, with two million tests being funded and potential distribution partners now being sought to help get them into communities across America.