HIV Self-Testing receives high patronage Programme Manager, National Aids Control Programme (NACP), Dr Stephen Ayisi Addo has disclosed that patronage of HIV self-testing has soared, barely a month after the kit was launched.
Dr Ayisi Addo, in an interview with the GNA in Accra, said there were over 33 thousand community requests as at the time of the launch and the number has doubled to over 70 thousand requests within the shortest time.
He said the programme has so far received over 11 thousand requests online as distribution is currently ongoing across the country.
The oral mucosa test kit is used to orally test for the HIV status of an individual.
The HIV Self-Test (HIVST) is one of the newest innovations in the range of strategies aimed at encouraging Ghanaians to get tested to know their HIV status. The kit contains a white spatula-like swab, a test solution, and holder to position firmly the test solution and a manual to guide usage of the kit.
The test is performed by first checking for expiry date and a possible breakage of the kit before opening. Upon opening the kit, one would notice that it has been calibrated with the letters C and T. The C stands for control whilst the T, represents Test. The test is done by rubbing the swab gently over the outer upper and lower gums several times, of which one quickly dips into the solution, allowing it to rest in the solution between 15 to 20 minutes, after which the test is ready.
If the test results have a line in only the C calibration, it proves that the individual is HIV negative but if it indicates two-line cross at both C and T calibration, then the test is described as reactive to HIV, after which three tests would have to be done at the hospital for confirmation.
Persons who test negative are encouraged to maintain their status while those whose results show reactive have to undergo three additional tests at the health facility for final confirmation and treatment if finally confirmed positive. Dr Ayisi Addo said despite efforts made in the prevention of new infections, promotion of condom use, treatment as well as care and support services, new infections have been recorded.
The Programme Manager said the new strategy is a game changer and it is expanding the frontiers and access to treatment beyond the health facility, encouraging people to know their status in the comfort of their homes. Dr Ayisi Addo said some lessons have been learnt from the global community, where there has been positive response in their countries, hence the reason for the adoption of the policy.
Dr. Ayisi Addo was optimistic that the new strategy would help to improve the 95 95 95 targets stipulated by the World Health Organisation (WHO) global aspiration target, where everyone is expected to know their HIV status. He said getting treatment after testing positive would suppress the virus within six months.
