HIV

WHO Releases Recommendations for HIV Self-Testing

The World Health Organization (WHO) has published new recommendations on self-testing for HIV.

Noting lack of diagnosis as a major obstacle to previous recommendations of antiretroviral therapy for all infected individuals, the WHO sought to update 2015 guidelines based on new evidence dealing with the implementation of HIV self-testing and partner notification services, and how they can be integrated into community- and facility-based approaches.
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After reviewing the newly available evidence, the WHO recommended that:

  • HIV self-testing should be offered as an additional approach to HIV testing services
  • Voluntary assisted partner notification services should be offered as part of a “comprehensive package of testing and care”

"Millions of people with HIV are still missing out on life-saving treatment, which can also prevent HIV transmission to others," said Dr Margaret Chan, WHO Director-General. "HIV self-testing should open the door for many more people to know their HIV status and find out how to get treatment and access prevention services."

The full guidelines are available from the WHO.

The Organization hopes that these new recommendations will assist in achieving the United Nationals “90-90-90” goal of 90% of all individuals with HIV being aware of their status by 2020.

—Michael Potts

Reference:
WHO. Guidelines on HIV testing services HIV self-testing and partner notification: supplement to consolidated guidelines on HIV testing services. www.WHO.int. December 1, 2016. http://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/10665/251655/1/9789241549868-eng.pdf?ua=1.