Self-testing implementation toolkit for HIV, hepatitis and sexually transmitted infections

Overview

Self-testing is a self-care intervention recommended by WHO as an additional testing strategy for HIV, hepatitis C and syphilis, respectively. This approach recognizes the central and active role that people play in managing their own health care and is increasingly becoming important as an additional strategy in expanding access to and utilization of health services, across various disease areas and conditions.

The purpose of this toolkit, which follows a modular framework, is to provide a package of practical guidance, tools and resources to support countries in the design, implementation and scale-up of HIV, hepatitis C and syphilis self-testing which can be adapted to their epidemiological context, covering both health and community systems.

• Module 1 provides an overview of the self-testing concept and WHO recommendations on HIV, hepatitis C and syphilis self-testing.
• Module 2 covers steps for the preparation and planning including guidance on the introduction and implementation of self-testing, how to conduct a country situational analysis and access to quality assured products.
• Module 3 guides the product selection, registration, procurement and supply chain management processes to ensure the smooth flow of quality-assured products from manufacturers to intended users.
• Module 4 focuses more broadly on implementation and scale-up of self-testing across the three diseases.
• Module 5 covers key resources related to monitoring and evaluation for self-testing programmes.