??? HIV Vaccine Awareness Day #HVAD - Expanding access to HIV testing in Uganda

Today, on HIV Vaccine Awareness Day, we commend the relentless efforts of our Community Health Entrepreneurs (CHEs), dedicated health professionals facilitating increased access to HIV testing services, alongside scientists worldwide who tirelessly strive to find a safe and effective preventive HIV vaccine. This day also serves as an opportunity to illuminate the existing gap in HIV prevention, explore potential solutions, and outline our intervention.

The gap:

The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that approximately 38 million people worldwide are living with HIV/AIDS. Despite remarkable advancements in HIV treatment, prevention remains a formidable challenge. Yet only 79% of individuals living with HIV are aware of their status, leaving millions unknowingly susceptible to the virus. This deficiency in HIV testing and awareness significantly fuels the spread of the virus.

Possible solutions:

A pivotal solution lies in the development of a preventive HIV vaccine. While research endeavors are underway, the journey to discovering a safe and effective vaccine demands substantial investment and collaboration. Additionally, expanding access to HIV testing services and fostering awareness are indispensable steps towards prevention and the realization of the UNAIDS target of 95-95-95 by 2030 (95% of all people living with HIV know their HIV status; 95% of all people with diagnosed HIV infection receive sustained ART; and 95% of all people receiving ART have VLS)

Our intervention in Uganda:

In collaboration with the Ministry of Health and PATH, we launched an HIV Self-testing Pilot (HIVST) program in Uganda. Trained Community Health Entrepreneurs (CHEs) provide HIV self-test services in underserved areas such as Kyegegwa, Nakaseke, and Kyankwanzi. These regions often grapple with limited access to healthcare facilities and exhibit high HIV prevalence rates.

Continued education and awareness ???campaigns, such as the KNOW YOUR CHE campaign in the Teso region, are key components of our intervention. By disseminating information and reshaping perceptions regarding HIV testing, we endeavor to diminish stigma and motivate more individuals to ascertain their HIV status.

Aligned with Uganda's commitment to achieving the 95-95-95 goals by 2030, our intervention endeavors to enhance public access to HIV testing services. Through the provision of testing in a secure and confidential environment, we strive to empower individuals to learn their HIV status and seek appropriate care if necessary.

Call to Action:

We implore African governments, organizations, and individuals worldwide to rally behind research efforts aimed at developing a preventive HIV vaccine, advocate for augmented funding for HIV prevention and testing programs, raise awareness, and combat the stigma surrounding HIV/AIDS. Encourage routine HIV testing and extend support to those living with HIV. Together, let us pave the way towards a future where HIV/AIDS is no longer a scourge.

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