HIV self-testing: an optimal approach for HIV diagnosis during COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

Human immunodeficiency virus self-testing (HIVST) has gained popularity as a last-mile option for achieving UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets by 2030. HIV testing has been a serious concern since the start of COVID-19 pandemic, and enhanced measures were needed to improve access to promote testing. This study aimed to review the evidence related to HIVST program during COVID-19. In this narrative review, a literature search was performed in English databases, including Cochrane Library, PubMed, Scopus, and Science Direct as well as in Persian databases, such as Magiran and Scientific Information Database. In addition, World Health Organization, Joint United Nations Programme on HIV and AIDS, and reports of Centre for Disease Control and Prevention were explored. The search was conducted up to January 8, 2022. Kenya was the first country to publish a national HIVST policy in 2008. U.S. Food and Drug Admini­stration licensed the first-ever fast HIV home test in July 2012. HIVST products can be delivered via various channels, including those financed by government or donor funds as well as private and public-private sectors collaborations. Service delivery models include facility-based directed, facility secondary distribution, community-based platforms, open-access platforms, virtual platforms, workplaces model, and integrated model.

Keywords

• hiv testing
• aids testing
• hiv infection diagnosis
• covid-19 pandemic