Grindr partners with IntraHealth Namibia to promote HIV testing and prevention
Grindr, the popular dating and social networking app for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning, intersex and other individuals (LGBTQI+), has partnered with IntraHealth Namibia to improve HIV testing and prevention.
The partnership will give Namibian users of the app free access to HIV self-testing kits and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) at the click of a button.
"The collaboration, which began in February 2024, was initiated by Equal Namibia, a youth-led social movement focused on ending homophobia and intersectional discrimination in the country,” Grindr for Equality managing director Owen Ryan told Namibian Sun.
“The partnership aims to provide easy access to HIV self-testing kits and PrEP to users in Namibia, offering a discreet and convenient way to manage sexual health,” he says.
According to Ryan, the service officially began in May 2024 when Grindr sent personalised inbox messages on how users can access HIV testing and PrEP through IntraHealth Namibia. In August 2024, Grindr integrated a ‘Find an HIV Test’ button directly into the app's sidebar, making it easier for users to access these vital health services.
A recent report (Namibia 2024 HIV Spectrum Estimates), produced by the health ministry in collaboration with UNAIDS, indicates that among women aged 15 to 49, HIV prevalence stands at 12.7%, compared to 6.6% among men in the same age group. The total prevalence rate is at 9.7%.
How It Works:
Namibian Grindr users can access the service by clicking the ‘Find an HIV Test’ button on their profile sidebar. Users are then redirected to IntraHealth Namibia's external portal, where they can follow the steps to confirm eligibility for a free HIV self-test kit.
After confirmation, the test kit is discreetly delivered to the user's address. Tests can be taken privately and users can expect to receive their results within 20 minutes of completing the test.
"Grindr assures that users' personal information is strictly confidential, with no data being shared with the app. This initiative encourages regular testing, with Grindr recommending that sexually active LGBTQI+ individuals who are HIV-negative get tested every three months. The app also offers a feature that reminds users when it's time for their next test," Ryan says.
"This partnership with IntraHealth Namibia is a vital step in promoting access to HIV prevention tools and destigmatising health services within our communities."
According to Ryan, Grindr is proud to be a part of a solution that empowers individuals to take control of their sexual health discreetly and confidentially.
"With the success of this partnership, Grindr and IntraHealth Namibia aim to continue expanding these services to ensure users have easy, reliable access to HIV prevention and care," he adds.
PHOTO: World Health Organisation
The partnership will give Namibian users of the app free access to HIV self-testing kits and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) at the click of a button.
"The collaboration, which began in February 2024, was initiated by Equal Namibia, a youth-led social movement focused on ending homophobia and intersectional discrimination in the country,” Grindr for Equality managing director Owen Ryan told Namibian Sun.
“The partnership aims to provide easy access to HIV self-testing kits and PrEP to users in Namibia, offering a discreet and convenient way to manage sexual health,” he says.
According to Ryan, the service officially began in May 2024 when Grindr sent personalised inbox messages on how users can access HIV testing and PrEP through IntraHealth Namibia. In August 2024, Grindr integrated a ‘Find an HIV Test’ button directly into the app's sidebar, making it easier for users to access these vital health services.
A recent report (Namibia 2024 HIV Spectrum Estimates), produced by the health ministry in collaboration with UNAIDS, indicates that among women aged 15 to 49, HIV prevalence stands at 12.7%, compared to 6.6% among men in the same age group. The total prevalence rate is at 9.7%.
How It Works:
Namibian Grindr users can access the service by clicking the ‘Find an HIV Test’ button on their profile sidebar. Users are then redirected to IntraHealth Namibia's external portal, where they can follow the steps to confirm eligibility for a free HIV self-test kit.
After confirmation, the test kit is discreetly delivered to the user's address. Tests can be taken privately and users can expect to receive their results within 20 minutes of completing the test.
"Grindr assures that users' personal information is strictly confidential, with no data being shared with the app. This initiative encourages regular testing, with Grindr recommending that sexually active LGBTQI+ individuals who are HIV-negative get tested every three months. The app also offers a feature that reminds users when it's time for their next test," Ryan says.
"This partnership with IntraHealth Namibia is a vital step in promoting access to HIV prevention tools and destigmatising health services within our communities."
According to Ryan, Grindr is proud to be a part of a solution that empowers individuals to take control of their sexual health discreetly and confidentially.
"With the success of this partnership, Grindr and IntraHealth Namibia aim to continue expanding these services to ensure users have easy, reliable access to HIV prevention and care," he adds.
PHOTO: World Health Organisation
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