HIV Self-Testing Gains Ground in India: High Acceptance and Usability, But Price Sensitivity Remains
12 Aug 2024 • In the UNAIDS Global AIDS Strategy, UNAIDS has set “95-95-95” targets. Aiming for 95% of people who are living with HIV to know their HIV status, 95% of people who know that they are living with HIV to be on lifesaving antiretroviral treatment, and 95% of people who are on treatment to be virally suppressed.
New research conducted across 14 Indian states revealed that HIV self-testing (HIVST) kits are highly accepted, with 97% of 90,605 eligible participants opting to use them.
- 88% preferred HIVST for future testing, and 95% found the kits easy to use and interpret.
- 89% of those testing reactive were linked to confirmatory tests, and 85% successfully started antiretroviral therapy (ART).
- Notably, 69% of those preferring HIVST were willing to pay, though most would spend under $1.20 (~100INR).
Given the high levels of acceptance and the ability to reach a large proportion of first-time testers, HIVST in India could contribute to achieving the UNAIDS first 95 and ending the HIV epidemic.
Source: J Int AIDS Soc. | Read full story