HIV testing is a prerequisite to accessing HIV care and treatment services, yet in some regions of sub- Saharan Africa only 48% of individuals living with HIV know their status. Disparities between women and men exist across the region, with lower testing rates among men. This disparity is due in part to women accessing HIV testing in antenatal care (ANC) and other reproductive health care settings, and men having fewer opportunities to interact with the healthcare system for HIV testing services. HIV testing barriers among couples and individuals are widely documented and include stigma and discrimination, challenges at facilities such as long waiting times, not knowing the benefits of HIV testing and economic and opportunity costs. HIV counseling and testing are associated with reduced HIV risk including a reduction in multiple partners and increased condom use, particularly among people diagnosed with HIV. As outlined in UNAIDS 90-90-90 goals, knowing one’s HIV status is the first step in controlling the HIV epidemic. New and innovative ways to expand access to HIV testing are required to achieve this important goal.
Authors: Kim Ashburn, Gretchen Antelman, Marc Kouadio N’Goran, Ola Jahanpour, Aida Yemaneberhan, Bernard N’Guessan Kouakou, Erin Kazemi, Malia Duffy, Pongathie Adama, Deborah Kajoka, Alexandra Coombs, Josef Tayag, David Sullivan, Alex Vrazo
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