39047 (2024). Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall to the Minister of Health

39047 (2024). Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall to the Minister of Health: Further to reply 3803(2024), what progress, if any, has been made in the last quarter to make HPV screening more widely available outside clinical settings (e.g., self-testing in the home or community)?

Hon Dr Shane Reti: I am advised that during the January to March 2024 quarter, a large research study in metro Auckland was completed into two pathways outside clinical settings. This study was one of three funded to inform the strategic direction of the National Cervical Screening Programme. The first pathway involved the use of telehealth and the mail-out of HPV self-test kits. The second pathway delivered community outreach through workplaces, pharmacies, gym classes, and other community events. Outreach was integrated with other providers such as flu and childhood immunisation (e.g., Matatini). All research is informing future decisions on expanding HPV self-testing; building on the success of implementing HPV primary screening and the new population-based register.