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Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Self-Testing

A study by the Indian Council of Medical Research-National Institute of Translational Virology and AIDS Research (ICMR-NITVAR) and Mizoram University has highlighted the success of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) self-testing in Mizoram.

What are the Key Findings of the Study?

HIV Self-Testing: The study examined HIV self-testing implementation in Mizoram, which has India's highest HIV prevalence (2.73%), 13 times the national average.
- The epidemic in the state is largely driven by injecting drug use and commercial sex work.
  - Lack of early testing and stigma prevents many from accessing timely treatment.
- HIV self-testing allows individuals to collect their own blood or saliva samples and interpret the results using a test kit.
Stigma-Free & Private: The study found self-testing to be a convenient, confidential, and more effective way for high-risk groups to know their HIV status than traditional campaigns, with potential for replication in other states.

Note: The World Health Organization (WHO) endorsed self-testing in 2016, and 41 countries have since adopted it. India has not yet introduced formal guidelines for HIV self-testing.

What are the Key Facts About Human Immunodeficiency Virus?

About: HIV is a virus that attacks the immune system by targeting CD4 cells (white blood cells). If untreated, it can lead to AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) and making the body prone to infections and cancers.
Transmission: HIV spreads through direct contact of infected bodily fluids like blood, semen, breast milk, vaginal fluids, and via unprotected sex, tattooing, and shared needles but not through casual contact.
Symptoms: Early stage (fever, rash), Later stage (swollen lymph nodes, weight loss, diarrhea), and Severe stage (tuberculosis, meningitis, cancers (e.g. lymphoma)).
Risk Factors: Multiple sexual partners or having sexually transmitted infections (STIs), Unsafe blood transfusions.
Diagnosis: Rapid diagnostic tests for same-day results, Self-testing kits, and Confirmatory virological tests.
Prevention: Regular HIV testing, STI screening, safe blood transfusions, and using sterilized needles for tattoos are essential for prevention.
Treatment: No cure for HIV, Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) helps control the virus. ART must be taken daily for life to maintain health.
Advanced HIV Disease (AHD): WHO defines AHD as CD4 <200 cells/mm³. People with AHD are at high risk of death, even after starting ART.
Global Response: End HIV epidemic by 2030 (UN Sustainable Development Goal 3.3).
India’s Progress: India HIV Estimations 2023 reports 2.5 million people living with HIV, with 0.2% adult prevalence. New infections dropped 44% since 2010, surpassing the global 39% decline.
- The National AIDS Control Programme (NACP), launched in 1992, remains key in India's fight against HIV/AIDS.

By: Rohit Garcha

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