[Towards zero new HIV infections in the Netherlands: proactive testing in case of indicator conditions]

To reach the UNAIDS target of zero new HIV infections in the Netherlands, timely diagnosis of HIV is essential to enable starting antiretroviral treatment which prevents AIDS and onward transmission. To attain this, optimal HIV testing strategies in both primary care and the hospital setting are needed. Testing for HIV in the presence of indicator conditions associated with HIV is part of an evidence-based strategy towards ending the HIV epidemic and is recommended in (inter)national guidelines. Currently, physician initiated indicator condition-guided testing for HIV in Dutch healthcare settings can be improved. Several barriers for implementation exist including unfamiliarity with indicator condition-guided testing among healthcare providers despite that general practitioners and medical specialists commonly encounter patients with indicator conditions. Proactive testing for HIV in patients presenting with indicator conditions is destigmatizing and cost-effective, decreases morbidity and contributes to the elimination of HIV in the Netherlands.