HIV self-testing: finding its way in the prevention tool box

Excerpt

One in five people living with HIV globally remains unaware of their HIV status [1]. There has been much emphasis on identifying these individuals so they can link to HIV treatment services and modify behaviors that contribute to HIV transmission [1]. Novel intervention strategies have been developed to expand access and reach of HIV testing services, including assisted partner notification systems, community-based testing, and more recently HIV self-testing (HIVST) [2]. HIVST, which has some advantages (e.g., increased privacy and convenience) and disadvantages (e.g., lower sensitivity of oral fluid self-tests and potential challenges with linkage to care) over these other strategies, has gained particular enthusiasm and is currently being scaled in a number of high HIV prevalence settings and populations [3]. …