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Utilizing Alternative Testing Technology for Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) in the COVID era
Isabella Warmbrunn1, Monique Green-Jones1, Angulique Y Outlaw1
1Department of Family Medicine and Public Health Sciences, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI USA.
Insights
At-home human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) testing offers a vital solution to overcome barriers in accessing testing, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Broader implementation of these technologies is crucial for continued HIV prevention efforts and achieving public health goals.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Infectious Diseases
- Epidemiology
Background:
- The COVID-19 pandemic significantly disrupted in-person healthcare services, including human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) testing.
- Traditional HIV testing accessibility faced unprecedented challenges due to public health restrictions and fear of exposure.
- Alternative testing methods became essential to maintain continuity of care and prevention efforts.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the benefits and advantages of at-home HIV testing technologies.
- To highlight the role of alternative testing in overcoming pandemic-related barriers to HIV screening.
- To emphasize the importance of at-home testing for ongoing HIV prevention strategies.
Main Methods:
- This is a review article, synthesizing existing literature and data on at-home HIV testing.
- The review focuses on identifying and analyzing the benefits of utilizing these technologies.
- The study examines how at-home testing addresses challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Main Results:
- At-home HIV testing technologies effectively overcome both novel pandemic-related and pre-existing barriers to HIV testing.
- These alternative methods ensure continued access to crucial HIV screening services.
- The implementation of at-home testing supports the maintenance of public health initiatives during periods of restricted in-person access.
Conclusions:
- Ensuring widespread access to HIV testing is fundamental for achieving long-term HIV prevention goals, such as the Ending the HIV Epidemic (EHE) initiative.
- Addressing obstacles to HIV testing is critical for the success of national HIV control strategies.
- Broad implementation of alternative testing technologies, including at-home kits, is necessary to sustain HIV prevention efforts amidst ongoing public health challenges and restrictions.
Purpose Of Review:
With the onset of the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, in-person human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) testing is no longer easily accessible. Therefore, alternative testing technologies must be considered and implemented on a large scale to continue prevention efforts. This review seeks to describe the benefits of utilizing at-home HIV testing technologies, traditionally deemed an alternative form of testing.
Recent Findings:
Utilizing at-home testing technology during the COVID-19 pandemic overcomes novel and previously identified barriers to HIV testing.
Summary:
Ensuring access to HIV testing is imperative to long-term prevention goals. With the Ending the HIV Epidemic (EHE) initiative in the USA targeting achievement by 2030, obstacles to HIV testing must be addressed to ensure its success. Implementing alternative testing technology more broadly allows for continued prevention efforts for HIV in light of COVID era restrictions.
