Description
HIVConnect is a federally funded Australian pilot project that uses vending machines to dispense free HIV self-test kits — the first federally funded pilot of its kind in Australia. Run by Thorne Harbour Health in partnership with SAMESH, the program deploys vending machines across ACT, NT, QLD, SA, VIC, and WA to reach priority populations who face barriers to accessing traditional sexual health testing.
KioskForce manufactured the custom wall-mount vending machines. Vending on Track — our Australian software partner — built the cloud platform that handles registration, SMS code verification, usage quotas, and inventory tracking.
How It Works
- A user visits hivconnect.org.au, answers a few questions, and provides a mobile phone number
- An SMS code is sent to their phone
- They visit any HIVConnect vending machine and scan the QR code or enter the code
- A free HIV self-test kit is dispensed — finger-prick blood test, results in 15 minutes
- An optional follow-up survey captures user experience data
The test kit includes instructions in English, with downloadable translations in 9 languages: Arabic, Farsi, Hindi, Indonesian, Malay, Mandarin, Spanish, and Vietnamese.
Who It Serves
The program targets priority populations for HIV testing:
- People who have never been tested or test infrequently
- International students and newly arrived migrants
- People unable to access regular sexual health testing due to health insurance or Medicare ineligibility
By putting machines in accessible, non-clinical locations — university campuses, community venues, public spaces — the program removes the barriers of cost, stigma, and clinic hours.
What We Delivered
- Custom wall-mount vending machines — compact units designed for installation in non-clinical spaces, with mounting hardware suitable for brick and drywall
- QR code and SMS code dispensing — users authenticate with a code from their phone; no personal data lives on the machine
- Usage quota enforcement — per-user limits prevent abuse while keeping the service free at the point of use
- Real-time inventory tracking — cloud dashboard shows stock levels across all machines, with low-stock alerts for restocking teams
The machines are branded to match the HIVConnect program identity and dispense single Atomo HIV self-test kits (finger-prick, 99.6% accuracy in laboratory testing, results in 15 minutes).
Results
HIVConnect has been described as “the most successful project of its kind globally” by participating universities. The machines operate across six Australian states and territories, providing free, private, and convenient access to HIV testing for communities that need it most.
Project Team
- Machine manufacturing — KioskForce
- Cloud platform and software — Vending on Track
- Program operator — Thorne Harbour Health / SAMESH
- Funding — Federal Government pilot program
Interested in deploying test-kit vending machines for your health program? Contact us.
Cost
- Initial Cost: $35000
