Home testing for HIV infection in resource-limited settings

Curr HIV/AIDS Rep. 2009 Nov;6(4):217-23. doi: 10.1007/s11904-009-0029-5.

Abstract

Among an estimated 33 million individuals who are infected with HIV worldwide, only 10% are aware of their status. HIV testing is the cornerstone to preventing further transmission and to caring for those infected, particularly as access to treatment improves in resource-limited settings. However, efforts to expand testing through facilities-based testing have not achieved adequate testing coverage, prompting efforts to reach more individuals through strategies such as home-based HIV testing. Home testing is showing promising early results in some high-prevalence, resource-limited settings. This article reviews the mechanisms and literature to date of this door-to-door approach.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • HIV Infections / diagnosis*
  • HIV Infections / economics
  • HIV Infections / psychology
  • Health Resources*
  • Health Services Accessibility*
  • Humans
  • Reagent Kits, Diagnostic*
  • Self Care*
  • Sex Factors
  • Socioeconomic Factors

Substances

  • Reagent Kits, Diagnostic