Special webinar to present lessons learned from the ATLAS project and the STAR Initiative.
The session is in French with simultaneous interpretation in English.
Organizers/partners
- WHO Global HIV, Hepatitis and STIs Programs
- Unitaid
- ATLAS Project and STAR Initiative
Objectives
- WHO guidance on HIVST secondary distribution
- Lessons learned from the ATLAS and STAR Initiative projects
- Country experiences from Cameroon and Côte d'Ivoire
Agenda
21 June 2022 | 15:30-17:00 CEST (13:30-15:00 UTC)
Moderator: Niklas Luhmann, WHO
| Session title | Presenter |
| Welcome | Niklas Luhmann , WHO |
| Introduction | Cheryl Johnson, WHO |
| WHO guidance on HIVST secondary distribution | Anne Bekelynck , WHO |
| Lessons learned from the ATLAS project | Joseph Larmarange, IRD/ Ceped |
| Testimonials of HIV Self-test users | Video |
| Lessons learned from the STAR Initiative | Karin Hatzold, PSI/STAR |
| Testimonials of HIV self-test users | Video |
| Country perspectives from Cameroon | Dr. Bilong , CNLS |
| Country perspectives Cote d’Ivoire | Dr Kouame , PNLS |
| Discussions | Chaired by Niklas Luhmann , WHO |
Background
HIV self-testing (HIVST) is an innovation that has the potential to reach priority populations not yet tested. HIVST kits can be distributed through various channels. Secondary distribution of HIV self-test kits by individuals through their networks (peers, partners, clients, etc.), can be particularly useful for reaching populations unable to access other testing services. Studies have shown that secondary distribution of HIV self-test kits by women attending antenatal clinics to their male sexual partners, or by key populations to their sexual partners and peers, increases uptake of testing services among these difficult to reach populations.
Secondary distribution of HIVST has potential challenges in terms of the quality of the distribution by the individual who offers the self-test to their partner and for monitoring the actual use of the self-test, the reporting of the outcome and the link to appropriate care, treatment and prevention services dependant on the outcome of the test results.
With support by Unitaid, two initiatives introduced and scaled up HIVST through different distribution approaches adapted to the local context and preferences by the target populations in East, Southern and Central Africa and Asia (STAR Initiative, 2015-2022) and in West Africa (ATLAS project 2018 - 2022).
This 90-minute webinar will address HIVST secondary distribution, based on WHO guidance and lessons learned from the ATLAS and STAR project in sub-Saharan Africa.
This session will include presentations on:
- WHO guidance on HIVST secondary distribution
- Lessons learned from the ATLAS and STAR Initiative projects
- Country experiences from Cameroon and Côte d'Ivoire