
A Systematic Review of HIV Testing Implementation Strategies in Sub-Saharan African Countries
Author(s) -
Ivy Mannoh,
Danielle Amundsen,
Gnilane Turpin,
Carrie Lyons,
Nikita Viswasam,
E. Adelaide Hahn,
Sofia Ryan,
Stefan Baral,
Bhakti Hansoti
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
aids and behavior
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.994
H-Index - 106
eISSN - 1573-3254
pISSN - 1090-7165
DOI - 10.1007/s10461-021-03518-z
Subject(s) - health psychology , public health , human immunodeficiency virus (hiv) , medicine , test (biology) , developing country , environmental health , gerontology , family medicine , nursing , economic growth , biology , economics , ecology
HIV/AIDS remains a looming presence in public health across the world, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa. The HIV Care Cascade hinges on testing and knowledge of HIV status. Though significant advances have been made in diagnosing people living with HIV (PLHIV), limitations in understanding which strategies are best suited to certain regions or populations have contributed to the uneven distribution in the success of various HIV testing strategies. Here, we present a conceptual framework that outlines effective HIV testing strategies for four target groups. This framework is based on a systematic literature review of articles published from January 1st, 2008, to December 31st, 2019. The effectiveness of HIV testing strategies depends on various factors including the setting, type of test and service providers. Multiple strategies are needed to reach the UNAIDS target of 95% of individuals knowing their HIV status. Expansion of community-based approaches, self-testing and HIV testing services in antenatal care will further improve the state of HIV testing in Sub-Saharan Africa.