Dr KK Aggarwal
As
per HIV estimation 2015, India is estimated to have 21 lakh people infected
with HIV and only 15.2 lakh PLHIV know their HIV status (Press Information
Bureau, August 4, 2017). This means that around 6-7 lakh are still unaware
of their HIV status.
To
end AIDS by 2030, the United Nations has set global targets as part of its
‘90-90-90’ strategy – to diagnose 90% of all people living with HIV by 2020, to
treating 90% of all people with diagnosed HIV infection with
sustained antiretroviral therapy and to maintain viral suppression in 90%
of all people receiving ART. Lack of diagnosis has been a major obstacle in
achieving these targets. Hence, there is a need for ways to increase access to
and use of HIV testing services.
HIV Self-Testing (HIVST)
is an innovative way, which can complement the efforts put by NACO in achieving
the global target of diagnosing 90% of all people living with HIV by 2020.
Also,
HIVST can help in reaching first-time testers, undiagnosed PLHIV and population
groups who need frequent retesting and can help countries meet the above
targets.
The
first global recommendations and Guidelines
for HIV Self-testing were released by WHO in December last year.
It
is proposed to explore inclusion of HIV self-testing (HIVST) for
adoption in the country.
To
discuss further on the development of National policy
on HIV self -testing, NACO has constituted a Technical
Advisory Group, convened by DDG BSD NACO.
The
Indian Medical Association (IMA) has been included in the Technical
Advisory Group on HIV Self-Testing.
Kindly
give your suggestions to finalize IMA Stand on this issue.
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