Tools
Tools
Majam, Mohammed, Hatzold, Karin, Mavhu, Webster 
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1881-4398, Tembo, Angela, Zishiri, Vincent, Phiri, Jane, Conserve, Donaldson, Haile, Zelalem, Chidarikire, Thato, Johnson, Cheryl C., Moyo, Sangiwe, Meyer-Rath, Gesine and Venter, Francois
(2025)
'Reaching priority populations with different HIV self-testing distribution models in South Africa: an analysis of programme data'. BMC Infectious Diseases, Vol 22, Issue Suppl 1, p. 981.
|
Text
12879_2025_Article_10662.pdf - Published Version Available under License Creative Commons Attribution. Download (778kB) | Preview |
Abstract
Background
As in much of sub-Saharan Africa, substantial HIV testing gaps remain in South Africa, particularly among adult men ages 20–35, young people ages 15–24 and key populations. Innovative strategies, such as HIV self-testing (HIVST), are needed to reach such under-served populations. We evaluated a range of HIV self-test kit distribution models’ potential to reach adult men, young people and key populations in South Africa, to inform targeted approaches.
Methods
This cross-sectional study used data from community and facility-based HIV self-test kit distribution models implemented from October 2017 to April 2020. Self-test kits were distributed as part of the Unitaid-funded Self-Testing AfRica (STAR) programme. Data were collected from individuals who obtained self-test kits through five distribution models. Frequencies and proportions were used to describe the characteristics of the study populations and self-test kit distribution approaches.
Results
Over 2.5 years, 1 071 065 self-test kits were distributed across the five models. Community-based distribution accounted for 63% of total kits distributed, while the private sector (primarily workplace) accounted for 26%. Distribution at public sector health facilities accounted for 7% and distribution through the key population and secondary distribution models accounted for 2% each. Of those obtaining kits, and for whom we collected previous testing data (n = 771 612, 72%), 11% had never tested for HIV, 29% had not tested for at least a year, 41% had tested within the last 4–12 months and 19% had tested within the preceding three months. More men (64%) than women obtained self-test kits across all distribution models. The majority (80%) of men obtaining self-test kits were aged 20–40 years, and primarily received these at public transport terminals (36%), workplaces (18%) and hotspots (14%). A small proportion of men was reached through female sex workers.
Conclusions
This analysis of programme data enabled us to identify HIV self-test kit distribution models that are best suited to reach specific priority and under-tested populations, particularly adult men and young people. Models/sub-models that reach self-test users where they live, work and spend time, are likely to result in higher HIVST uptake. Study findings can inform future HIVST scale-up in South Africa.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Subjects: | W General Medicine. Health Professions > W 74 Medical economics. Health care costs WC Communicable Diseases > Virus Diseases > Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome. HIV Infections > WC 503 Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. HIV infections |
| Faculty: Department: | Clinical Sciences & International Health > International Public Health Department |
| Digital Object Identifer (DOI): | https://doi.org/10.1186/s12879-025-10662-7 |
| SWORD Depositor: | JISC Pubrouter |
| Depositing User: | JISC Pubrouter |
| Date Deposited: | 20 Mar 2025 15:12 |
| Last Modified: | 20 Mar 2025 15:12 |
| URI: | https://archive.lstmed.ac.uk/id/eprint/26242 |
Statistics
Actions (login required)
 |
Edit Item |