‘Grindr for Equality’ Expands Free HIV Self-Test Kit Program to Australia and Namibia

Partnerships with the National Association of People with HIV Australia (NAPWHA) and IntraHealth Namibia provide users with discreet HIV testing access through the Grindr app.

Grindr for Equality, Grindr's social impact initiative focused on advancing health and human rights for LGBTQ+ communities worldwide, is expanding its free at-home HIV self-test kit program to Australia and Namibia. In collaboration with the National Association of People with HIV Australia (NAPWHA) and IntraHealth Namibia, Grindr users in these countries can now order self-test kits directly to their doorsteps. In Namibia, this partnership was made possible by Equal Namibia, a youth-led social movement for equality fighting to end state-sanctioned homophobia and intersectional discrimination, who connected Grindr with Intrahealth, a community-trusted clinic.

Access to HIV testing often presents significant challenges-including geographic, economic, and social barriers-that limit many people's ability to stay informed about their health. In Namibia, HIV prevalence is estimated to be 11%, and in Australia, an estimated 29,000 people are living with HIV. "With Grindr's global reach, we're ensuring GBTQ+ users can access life-saving health resources right from their phones, no matter where they are in the country," said Owen Ryan, Managing Director of Grindr for Equality. "By expanding our network of partners, we're providing essential tools to help break down these barriers and support the global fight against HIV."

The program extension marks the first time the Grindr app will partner with organizations offering round-the-clock HIV testing resources on these two continents, accessible via a dedicated button within the app's interface. With this feature, users in Namibia and Australia will have a convenient, confidential way to know their HIV status, empowering them to make informed health decisions. Depending on their results, NAPWHA and IntraHealth will guide users toward treatment or help them access PrEP to stay protected. Since launching in March 2023, Grindr's self-test kit programs have reached users in Georgia, Ireland, New Zealand, London, and the United States, where our partnerships have helped distribute nearly half a million test kits.

About the National Association of People with HIV Australia (NAPWHA)

NAPWHA is Australia's peak non-government organization representing people living with HIV. Dedicated to the advancement of the health and well-being of individuals and communities impacted by HIV, NAPWHA collaborates with Grindr for Equality to provide free, at-home HIV test kits across Australia, ensuring accessible and inclusive testing options for LGBTQ+ communities.

"Our partnership with Grindr represents a meaningful step forward in expanding access to HIV testing across Australia," said Aaron Cogle, Executive Director of NAPWHA. "By empowering individuals to test in the privacy of their own homes, we're reducing stigma and making testing more accessible for all. We're excited to work with Grindr for Equality to reach those who might otherwise face obstacles to regular testing."

About IntraHealth Namibia

IntraHealth Namibia is a leading local partner in public health, supporting the Namibian Ministry of Health and Social Services to enhance healthcare access for underserved communities. Through this partnership with Grindr, IntraHealth Namibia is bringing essential HIV testing resources to LGBTQ+ populations across Namibia.

"Collaborative efforts like this unique partnership with Grindr are imperative to harness resources, maximize impact, and drive sustainable outcomes," said Helena Kataturua, Online Outreach Officer at IntraHealth Namibia. "Our aim is to reach underserved communities with HIV prevention services and to provide essential links to HIV prevention, treatment, and care. Together, we can improve health outcomes for Namibians and establish a model for equitable healthcare access across Africa."

Our partnerships with NAPWHA and IntraHealth are making HIV testing more accessible, supporting early diagnosis, treatment, and ultimately the end of the AIDS epidemic. We encourage our Australian and Namibian users to take advantage of this free, confidential service and join us in the fight to eradicate HIV.

About Grindr for Equality

Grindr for Equality is Grindr's social impact initiative, dedicated to advancing health and human rights for Grindr users and the global LGBTQ+ community. Launched in 2015, Grindr for Equality leverages the unparalleled reach of the Grindr app, the world's foremost social networking platform for GBTQ+ individuals with more than 14M monthly users, 80% of whom are outside the U.S., to improve lives through partnerships with public health authorities, non-governmental organizations, and grassroots advocates.

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