By Ruth Kadide Keah
Nairobi, Kenya: Kenya has recorded a steady increase in the number of clients who have self-tested for HIV in the past year.
According to Dr. Jonah Onentiah, the HTS program manager at the National AIDS and STIs Control Programme (NASCOP), the number has increased from 20,934 in 2018 to 283,660 in 2020.
Addressing science journalists during a MESHA café, Dr. Onentiah said the clients have received the kits through public facilities or bought them at pharmacies.
HIV self-testing (HIVST) is the process in which a person collects his/her own sample – either oral fluid or blood – performs an HIV test and interprets the results. It is a complementary approach to existing HIV testing services.
Dr. Onentiah attributed the increase in numbers to the innovative HIVST vending machine. The portable machines are installed in workplaces so as to increase the number of people testing for HIV and increase awareness of self-testing.
He said Kenya currently has two vending machines. One was placed at Farmers Choice before being moved to Carrefour Supermarket and later to Kenyatta University in Nairobi.
According to Dr. Onentiah, the machine is put at a strategic place where they target a specific age group of people.
“For example, the machine was kept at Carrefour because we targeted the youth aged 24 years and below. The group normally likes getting trendy stuff and we thought they would frequently visit the supermarket, which is new in town,” he said.
He said such innovations are crucial in improving HIV diagnosis. The program also links a person to treatment if they test positive and prevention services such as PrEP if they are negative.
Dr. Onentiah said as of September 2021, there were four nationally approved HIVST kits – Ora Quick, INSTI, Sure Check, and Atomo.
He added that according to the research so far, a majority of Kenyans are accepting self-testing. This is because of its privacy and convenience.
“HIV self-testing (HIVST) is a convenient and confidential option for HIV testing, hence many people find it very safe to use,” he said.
In 2016 the World Health Organisation (WHO) recommended HIVST as a safe, accurate, and effective way to reach people who may not test otherwise, including people from key populations, men and young people.
In the past, the only way to get tested for HIV was to go to a doctor’s office, hospital, or community health center and get tested, but now there are options for taking an HIV test in the privacy of one’s own home.
Dr. Onentiah, however, advised people who use HIVST and test positive for HIV to visit a nearby health facility for more tests, counseling, and other health services.
Benefits of HIV tests
HIV is much easier to manage and treat if it is identified early and treatment is started as soon as possible.
HIVST allows people to receive results almost immediately — sometimes within minutes — without having to wait for an appointment with a healthcare professional or take time out of their schedule to visit a lab.
Early identification is essential for successful long-term treatment and survival with HIV.
Home tests empower people to learn whether they have the virus earlier than any other testing method. This can help them limit the virus’ effect on them and on others around them.
Early identification can even protect people they do not know, as their sexual partners could potentially contract HIV and then transmit it to others.
