HIV self-testing in India must become a reality without delay
India is among the countries that have not yet developed a national policy on HIV self-testing. ASICON and ASI call upon the government to do so without delay and ASI leaders nationwide are willing to offer their technical support in doing so.
Dr Gilada is right in reminding us that "All HIV testing services should continue to be provided in line with WHO's essential 5 Cs: Consent, Confidentiality, Counselling, Correct test results, and Connection/linkage to prevention, care and treatment."
It is important to remember that HIV self-testing is not a standalone initiative but integrated into HIV care cascade where HIV testing services include: counselling (pre-test information and post-test counselling); linkage to appropriate HIV prevention, treatment and care services, and other clinical and support services; and coordination with laboratory services to support quality assurance and the delivery of correct results, among others.
Shobha Shukla, Bobby Ramakant - CNS (Citizen News Service)
(Shobha Shukla and Bobby Ramakant are part of the editorial team at CNS (Citizen News Service). Follow them on Twitter @Shobha1Shukla or @BobbyRamakant)
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