Nhan has self-tested for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) twice after a friend had introduced him the website https://tuxetnghiem.vn. To him, HIV self-testing is essential to be aware of his HIV status and to protect himself. He feels safer and more comfortable to do the test himself. Nhan shared that he puts great importance to his health and it helps him better plan for his future.
Nhan is now on pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and taking the test every three months.
The website https://tuxetnghiem.vn was developed by WHO and Viet Nam Authority for HIV/AIDS Prevention and Control, Ministry of Health to enhance access to HIV testing services in a more convenient, confidential and friendly way. The website is designed to enable clients to create their own account to request for free HIV self-test (HIVST). To help clients to use the self-test kit, a demonstration video and step-by step guidance are available on the website, in addition to manufacturer’s pictorial instructions inside each kit.
From the website, clients can choose how the test kits are delivered to them or they can opt to personally pick them up at the address on the website.
Reporting of self-test result is not required but encouraged so that health workers and community-based workers can support them for services linkages after testing.
Ca’s husband is a driver, and he is often away from home for long-distance trips. Ca ordered test kits from the website then did the test herself at her house. She finds it easy and convenient to navigate on the website and use the test kits. Ca shared that she might be too shy to go the health care facility for HIV test. But now, thanks to the web-based HIV self-test, she can do it and get the result in a confidential way.
The single use self-test kits include test device, test tube, test stand, instructions for use in Vietnamese. Clients can do the test at home or at any place that they feel comfortable and get their results in 20 minutes.
After self-testing and taking confirmatory testing, Hung found out he is with HIV.
Shocked and worried, Hung reached out to Glink Nghe An, a social enterprise which is cooperating with Center for Disease Control of Nghe An to pilot web-based HIV self-test distribution in the province. Hung is receiving counselling, support and encouragement from Glink team. He is on treatment at a local hospital.
After sending the test to clients, health workers and peer educators conduct follow up activities with clients and provide counselling and support. They also link clients to HIV services such as confirmatory testing, antiretroviral therapy (ART) or PrEP depending on their test results.
There are hotlines on the website for instant support if needed. Clients can also book for counselling via the website or contact counsellors on the topic they need to be assisted with.
The major barriers for accessing facility-based HIV testing service are fear of stigma and discrimination; inconvenient opening hours; long distance and time required for travel.
In the context of COVID-19 pandemic, access to health services becomes even more difficult especially with travel restrictions and quarantine requirements.
The web-based HIV self-test is an innovative and effective virtual intervention which offers an alternative to reach the unreached key populations. It provides an easier access to HIV testing, as well as health services for HIV treatments and prevention.
WHO continues to support the implementation of the innovation and calls for universal access to HIV testing, treatment and prevention for all people at risk for HIV.
WHO also calls for all people living with HIV to be included in priority populations for COVID-19 vaccination.
The project was funded by the Unified Budget, Results and Accountability Framework (UBRAF) and UNITAID.