HIV testing is critical to getting and staying healthy...
We're Young Muslim Women. We're testing for HIV...
There is still a great deal of stigma and shame surrounding HIV in many communities, particularly in the Black and Muslim communities. This can make it difficult for people to access HIV testing services, as they may fear being judged or discriminated against.
Asha Ulusow
"When we're able to test for HIV on our own terms, we can take control of our own health," says, community leader, Asha Ulusow... "without having to rely on others or having to navigate complex healthcare systems that may not always be designed to meet our needs."
I believe that HIV self-testing is an important tool in the fight against HIV, particularly for marginalized communities who may face unique barriers to accessing traditional healthcare services.
Asha urges others in her community to learn more about HIV self-testing and to consider whether it may be useful to them. Learn more in Asha's blog post, plus where, and how to get your self-test kits, as well as to find support in your area.
Essential Links to Learn More
Sistering
A drop-in center for women in Toronto that provides support and referrals for HIV testing and care. They offer a safe space for black Muslim women to access resources and connect with other women who have had similar experiences.
Women's Health In Women's Hands
A community health center that provides a range of primary healthcare services, health promotion programs, and social services to women, particularly those from racialized and marginalized communities.