Alfred Health Associate Professor of Sexual Health Jason Ong said early detection is often a challenge for foreign-born men who have sex with men, but self-tests, which are now available in pharmacies, could change -Soon.
“Men born abroad who have sex with men are more likely to want to use these self-test kits, which is great because our HIV epidemic in Australia has shifted with more diagnoses among MSM born abroad , which are often diagnosed too late. “He said.
“Making access to HIV testing easier for them could mean an early diagnosis of the virus, which has many benefits for them and the community.”
Professor Ong said recent research by Alfred Health and Monash University had overwhelmingly revealed that people could use self-test kits successfully.
“Previously there was a restriction that people using these kits had to watch a video first, but we were able to show that it is not necessary and the removal of this requirement has made the tests available on the counter.
“There are two types of tests: one based on blood and one oral. Both showed similar accuracy; however, consumers overwhelmingly preferred the oral test, which is currently not available in Australia.
“Making it available along with the blood test is likely to further increase absorption and improve our efforts in early diagnosis.”
The World Health Organization’s coordinator of testing, prevention and populations for the global HIV, hepatitis and STI programs, Dr. Rachel Baggaley, welcomed the results of the research as a further step in eliminating HIV.
“It is very encouraging to see that these results confirm that in Australia, as everywhere where self – tests are available, people can use them successfully.
“These are an empowering test option. Often people can want and benefit from regular HIV testing. By facilitating access, we can offer help earlier and slow down possible transmission.”