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Challenges in rolling out rapid HIV testing in Australia

Challenges in rolling out rapid HIV testing in Australia In a recent issue of Sexual Health , Chen and Estcourt suggest that rapid HIV testing should be encouraged in Australia, referring to the positive experiences of rapid testing in the USA and UK. 1 In the USA, where there have been low levels of HIV testing among at-risk populations, the introduction of rapid HIV testing has had undeniably impressive effects in increasing testing rates. 2 , 3 Consumer experiences of rapid testing also tend to be very positive. However, the attractiveness and benefits of rapid HIV testing may vary depending on the context in which it is implemented. 4 The Australian Federation of AIDS Organisations is currently undertaking a review of rapid HIV testing, drawing on the experience of clinicians, researchers, and community organisations. The review process has identified particular challenges that will need to be addressed if rapid testing is to become more available in Australia. In Australia, there are already high levels of HIV testing among the group most at risk of HIV infection – gay and other homosexually-active men. Surveys of gay men across Australia show that over 80% have ever been tested for HIV, between 40% and 55% have been recently tested (within http://www.deepdyve.com/assets/images/DeepDyve-Logo-lg.png Sexual Health CSIRO Publishing

Challenges in rolling out rapid HIV testing in Australia

Holt Martin M.; Keen Phillip P.
Sexual Health , Volume 6 (2) – May 18, 2009
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References (11)

Publisher
CSIRO Publishing
Copyright
CSIRO
ISSN
1448-5028
eISSN
1449-8987
DOI
10.1071/SH09036
Publisher site
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Abstract

In a recent issue of Sexual Health , Chen and Estcourt suggest that rapid HIV testing should be encouraged in Australia, referring to the positive experiences of rapid testing in the USA and UK. 1 In the USA, where there have been low levels of HIV testing among at-risk populations, the introduction of rapid HIV testing has had undeniably impressive effects in increasing testing rates. 2 , 3 Consumer experiences of rapid testing also tend to be very positive. However, the attractiveness and benefits of rapid HIV testing may vary depending on the context in which it is implemented. 4 The Australian Federation of AIDS Organisations is currently undertaking a review of rapid HIV testing, drawing on the experience of clinicians, researchers, and community organisations. The review process has identified particular challenges that will need to be addressed if rapid testing is to become more available in Australia. In Australia, there are already high levels of HIV testing among the group most at risk of HIV infection – gay and other homosexually-active men. Surveys of gay men across Australia show that over 80% have ever been tested for HIV, between 40% and 55% have been recently tested (within

Journal

Sexual Health – CSIRO Publishing

Published: May 18, 2009

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