1. Evaluating the effectiveness of oral HIV self testing according to distribution models in Cameroon
- Author
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Yagai Bouba, Audrey Raissa Dzaddi Djomo, Fatima Nkain Mouliom, Adamou Souleymanou, Ebiama Lifanda, Yakouba Liman, Roger Onana, Annie Michele Salla, Lily Claire Ekobika, Gutenberg Tchikangni, Edwige Guissana Omona, Ingrid Kenko Abo’o Myrtho, Ernest Désiré Anaba Mvilongo, Antoine Socpa, Rogers Awoh Ajeh, Marie Jose Essi, Serge Clotaire Billong, Hadja Cherif Hamsatou, and Anne Cecile Zoung-Kanyi Bissek
- Subjects
Oral HIV-self testing ,Effectiveness ,Distribution models ,Seropositivity ,Linkage to ART ,Cameroon ,Medicine ,Science - Abstract
Abstract Innovative strategies such as HIV self-testing (HIVST) are useful for identifying hard-to-reach people living with HIV/AIDS (PLHIV), especially in developing settings where considerable gaps still exist in reaching the first 95% UNAIDS target. We evaluated the effectiveness of HIVST in Cameroon using several distribution models and investigated the predictors of HIV seropositivity among self-testers. The study was conducted from 2021 to 2022 in three regions in Cameroon. HIVST kits were distributed according to 5 distribution models: antenatal, postnatal, maternal and child clinics (ANC/PNC/MCH); partners of PLHIV; workplace; community and HIV-testing services (HTS). Overall, 42,687 people received oral HIVST kits, among whom 15.6% were HIV first-testers. Approximately 85% reported on the test outcome; 2.3% (n = 825) were reactive, and 75.8% came for test confirmation. After the confirmation test, a concordance of 85% was found with the national algorithm. Overall, the HIV seroprevalence was 1.5% [95% CI: 1.4–1.6]; ANC/PNC/MCHC: 1.9%, partners of PLHIV: 6.9%, workplace: 0.5%, community: 0.1% and HTS: 7.0%, p
- Published
- 2024
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