Community-based HIV testing services (CHTS); An Innovative Strategy to End the AIDS Pandemic
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51% HIV testing reach is limited; only an estimated 51% of people with HIV know their infection status-(WHO)
About 25 per cent of the 35 million people globally estimated to be living with HIV were not aware of their infection, because of a lack of testing. 1.2 million People in the United States, 71,300 in Canada# (Public Health Agency of Canada's website) and 3.4 million in Nigeria (UNAIDS).
Today, we live in fragile communities where inequities can persist when essential services don’t reach the people in need. To change this dynamic we must quicken the pace of action. We know that strengthening local services to reach key populations will lead to healthier and more resilient societies.*
CHTS is one of the integrative ways to meet the Sustainable Development Goals of ending the AIDS pandemic by 2030. CHTS is designed to reach key populations right at their door steps.
Community-based HIV testing services (CHTS) is done (standalone voluntary testing and counselling) at home, mobile and outreach testing in the community, “moonlight” testing during evening hours in high-risk settings, and in schools, workplaces, religious facilities, and transport hubs.
Mandatory, compulsory or coercive HIV testing is never appropriate CHTS is provided in a respectful, non-discriminatory and ethical manner, reflecting the professional integrity of the provider and respecting the human rights of the person being tested.**
In addition “test for triage” is currently being used in community-based settings in Nigeria, West Africa in to further scale-up access to HIV testing services. In this approach a trained lay provider uses a single rapid diagnostic test and refers and links all people with a reactive test result to HIV prevention, care and treatment services in a timely manner.**
Recognizing the importance of disclosure to family members and sexual partners, many countries have also introduced “couples testing and counselling” where couples can learn their results together, with the assistance of a trained counselor or health worker. Sharing serostatus allows couples to plan, make important life decisions, including making HIV prevention choices, and to seek care and support together.**
Services targeting other groups have also been introduced, including for adolescents and people from key populations, such as services for sex workers, injecting drug users, and men who have sex with men and transgender people. It is imperative that these services are provided within a context of respect, non-discrimination, and protection of privacy and confidentiality**
Take advantage of the CHTS to know your HIV status because the world has entered a new era of innovation and integration. Don’t get left behind. The TIME to ACT is NOW!!!
What is World AIDS DAY all about? Find out in next update.
UNAIDS Executive Director Message for World AIDS Day, December 1, 2015*
World Health Organization, WHO**
51% HIV testing reach is limited; only an estimated 51% of people with HIV know their infection status-(WHO)
About 25 per cent of the 35 million people globally estimated to be living with HIV were not aware of their infection, because of a lack of testing. 1.2 million People in the United States, 71,300 in Canada# (Public Health Agency of Canada's website) and 3.4 million in Nigeria (UNAIDS).
Today, we live in fragile communities where inequities can persist when essential services don’t reach the people in need. To change this dynamic we must quicken the pace of action. We know that strengthening local services to reach key populations will lead to healthier and more resilient societies.*
CHTS is one of the integrative ways to meet the Sustainable Development Goals of ending the AIDS pandemic by 2030. CHTS is designed to reach key populations right at their door steps.
Related Story; 6 reasons you should Get Tested for HIV.
What is HTS?
HIV testing services (HTS) include the full range of services that should be provided together with HIV testing. WHO has defined five key components—the “5 Cs”—that must be respected and adhered to by all HTC services. These components are:
The development and use of HIV rapid diagnostic tests in the late 1990s have facilitated expansion of HIV testing services. These rapid diagnostic tests can be performed with a finger-prick blood sample collected and processed by a trained community worker and can be conducted outside of health facilities and traditional testing sites. Use of more than one rapid diagnostic test, within either a low prevalence or a high prevalence testing strategy and using a nationally validated testing algorithm, can provide immediate, on-site HIV diagnosis.***
What is HTS?
HIV testing services (HTS) include the full range of services that should be provided together with HIV testing. WHO has defined five key components—the “5 Cs”—that must be respected and adhered to by all HTC services. These components are:
- Consent
- Confidentiality
- Counselling
- Correct test results
- Connection/linkage to prevention, care and treatment.
The development and use of HIV rapid diagnostic tests in the late 1990s have facilitated expansion of HIV testing services. These rapid diagnostic tests can be performed with a finger-prick blood sample collected and processed by a trained community worker and can be conducted outside of health facilities and traditional testing sites. Use of more than one rapid diagnostic test, within either a low prevalence or a high prevalence testing strategy and using a nationally validated testing algorithm, can provide immediate, on-site HIV diagnosis.***
CHTS
Community-based HIV testing services, (CHTS) is one of the innovative and creative approaches apart from the traditional facility-based were services range from provider-initiated testing and counselling.Community-based HIV testing services (CHTS) is done (standalone voluntary testing and counselling) at home, mobile and outreach testing in the community, “moonlight” testing during evening hours in high-risk settings, and in schools, workplaces, religious facilities, and transport hubs.
Mandatory, compulsory or coercive HIV testing is never appropriate CHTS is provided in a respectful, non-discriminatory and ethical manner, reflecting the professional integrity of the provider and respecting the human rights of the person being tested.**
In addition “test for triage” is currently being used in community-based settings in Nigeria, West Africa in to further scale-up access to HIV testing services. In this approach a trained lay provider uses a single rapid diagnostic test and refers and links all people with a reactive test result to HIV prevention, care and treatment services in a timely manner.**
Recognizing the importance of disclosure to family members and sexual partners, many countries have also introduced “couples testing and counselling” where couples can learn their results together, with the assistance of a trained counselor or health worker. Sharing serostatus allows couples to plan, make important life decisions, including making HIV prevention choices, and to seek care and support together.**
Services targeting other groups have also been introduced, including for adolescents and people from key populations, such as services for sex workers, injecting drug users, and men who have sex with men and transgender people. It is imperative that these services are provided within a context of respect, non-discrimination, and protection of privacy and confidentiality**
Take advantage of the CHTS to know your HIV status because the world has entered a new era of innovation and integration. Don’t get left behind. The TIME to ACT is NOW!!!
What is World AIDS DAY all about? Find out in next update.
UNAIDS Executive Director Message for World AIDS Day, December 1, 2015*
World Health Organization, WHO**
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