The latest international news, analysis and features on the HIV epidemic from Avert. Share your views and expertise with your peers in the comments box below the articles.
Data from six countries’ public health programmes suggests the introduction of new testing technologies have significantly increased same-day diagnosis for babies born with HIV and sped up treatment.
Providing a variety of ways to test for HIV resulted in high rates of young people coming forward and reduced the gap between men and women.
Testing rises 40-50% in 10 years, but half of young men and one-third of young women are still not coming forward.
HIV self-testing is found to be more popular than standard testing, particularly among men, but accessing treatment after a positive result is an issue.
Waiting time for results dramatically reduces when sample analysis happens in health facilities rather than centralised labs – but increased viral loads often go unaddressed
Evidence review suggests enhanced testing services, which offer things such as counselling or support groups, are having little impact on condom use.
An HIV testing initiative that targeted male-dominated workplaces and social spaces, and notified the sexual partners of anyone testing positive, results in 25% of men being diagnosed with HIV
Peer distribution, youth branding and social media campaigns emerge as top ideas in crowdsourcing contest to improve HIV self-testing among young people.
Despite intensified efforts to increase HIV testing in sub-Saharan Africa, poorer and less educated people are still missing out.
A pilot scheme that immediately rebooks and provides a reminder for an HIV retest six months later increases attendance by 25%.
