FNX Magokiler Posted December 4, 2023 Posted December 4, 2023 Currently 38.4 million people worldwide have the virus, but 15% of them do not know they have it. The COVID-19 pandemic led to a 22% decline in HIV testing globally, diverting crucial resources toward the fight against the new virus. In Chile, at the end of 2021, around 84 thousand people with HIV were registered, with a worrying 7% increase in new diagnoses during 2022. This lack of knowledge about people's HIV status creates a cycle of infections, as those who have not been diagnosed can spread the virus. On the other hand, early diagnosis allows access to antiretroviral therapy, suppressing HIV replication and reducing transmission. With the aim of closing the gap in diagnoses, HIV self-testing is presented as an effective solution. The World Health Organization (WHO) has endorsed this strategy since 2016, recommending it as a means to reach po[CENSORED]tions that would not otherwise be tested. In Latin America, countries such as Argentina, Brazil, Colombia and Peru already offered self-tests through public health services, NGOs and pharmacies. Chile joined this list in December 2022 when a decree was approved that incorporates them into the health control regime. The pharmaceutical company, Abbott, launched in Chile the Panbio HIV Self-Test, a rapid self-test that allows the detection of antibodies against HIV-1 and HIV-2 from a blood sample obtained by fingerstick, available in major pharmacies. from the country. “Giving people the ability to test themselves reliably, in the privacy of their homes and get results in 15 to 20 minutes helps them know their HIV status without facing discrimination or stigma and seek early treatment if require it. It also helps prevent transmission of the virus,” commented the medical director for rapid diagnostics at Abbott, Dr. Oscar Guerra. Within the framework of the 95-95-95 goals established by UNAIDS, self-tests play a crucial role in achieving the first goal: that 95% of people with HIV know their HIV status by 2030. Increase accessibility through these Testing offers the opportunity to contain the spread of the virus and prevent millions of infections around the world. https://www.elmostrador.cl/braga/autocuidado/2023/12/04/autopruebas-del-vih-una-nueva-estrategia-para-aumentar-el-diagnostico-temprano/
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