Increasing Testing Options for Key Populations in Burundi Through Peer-Assisted HIV Self-Testing: Descriptive...

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Infectious Disease Epidemiology
• HIV/AIDS Prevention

Background:

• Low HIV testing rates among key populations (KPs) in Burundi necessitated alternative testing strategies.
• Peer-assisted HIV self-testing (HIVST) was implemented for female sex workers (FSWs), men who have sex with men (MSM), and transgender people.
• HIVST aimed to improve access to testing and linkage to care for these underserved groups.

Purpose of the Study:

• To enhance access to HIV testing for underserved KPs in Burundi.
• To improve the diagnosis of HIV serostatus within these key populations.
• To facilitate linkage to treatment for individuals diagnosed with HIV for effective epidemic control.

Main Methods:

• A descriptive analysis utilized routine programmatic data from a 9-month HIVST implementation period (June 2018-March 2019).
• Data covered FSWs, MSM, and transgender people across 6 provinces in Burundi.
• Chi-square tests and multivariable logistic regression were employed to compare case-finding rates and identify factors associated with HIV seropositivity.

Main Results:

• A total of 2198 HIVST kits were administered, with FSWs comprising the largest group (81.48%).
• HIVST yielded significantly higher seropositivity rates compared to standard testing for FSWs and MSM.
• Antiretroviral therapy initiation rates were lower for MSM diagnosed via HIVST compared to standard testing.

Conclusions:

• Peer-assisted HIVST demonstrates effectiveness in diagnosing HIV among underserved key populations in Burundi.
• The study highlights the potential of HIVST as a valuable tool for linkage to HIV treatment.
• Further research may be needed to optimize linkage to care pathways following HIVST, particularly for MSM.