Background
The COVID-19 pandemic arrived in an evolving epidemiological context where some countries are experiencing a progressive decrease in HIV positivity in their testing programme as they are moving closer to the first 95 target.
Distinguishing changes in HIV testing services due to the COVID-19 pandemic from those resulting from evolving HIV testing strategies is crucial for adapting services and helping countries define their strategic mix of testing options moving forward. There is a need to focus, prioritize and plan for strategic efforts to prevent going further off the track toward achieving global targets and goals. To support these efforts, WHO in partnership with ministries of health conducted an in-depth analysis of HIV testing services and antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation prior to and during reported COVID-19 disruptions.
Additional publicly available Global Fund and PEPFAR data was also reviewed and analysed. This analysis, and coordination with ministries of health, identified key service delivery adaptations utilized during COVID-19-related disruptions and formed the basis of this strategic guide.
Session objectives
- Launch the WHO report on COVID-19 impacts on HIV testing services and address critical lessons learned during pandemic for future implementation and preparedness.
- Discuss gaps and priority particularly for key populations during the pandemic in terms of HIV testing services
- Learn directly from 3 countries with different experiences during the pandemic
Event details
Password: 186190
22 November 2021
10:30-11:30 (CET) | Opening session with Meg Doherty, Director of WHO Department of Global HIV, Hepatitis and STI Programmes |
11:45-12:45 (CET) | International Testing Week launch with David Maman and Cheryl Johnson, WHO Global HIV, Hepatitis and STI Programmes: Highlights and key findings from WHO's Impact of COVID-19 on HIV testing services |
15:00-16:30 (CET) | Launch session of WHO's Impact of COVID-19 on HIV testing services |
WHO report and guidance highlights on HTS adaptations and lessons learned during COVID-19 HTS catch-up needs and lessons learned for reaching key populations during COVID- 19 Country experiences and lessons learned:
Q&A |