HIV SELF-TESTS NOW AVAILABLE IN COMMUNITY PHARMACIES 03/11/2021...

HIV SELF-TESTS NOW AVAILABLE IN COMMUNITY PHARMACIES 03/11/2021 ( We already know this, but the falling HIV testing rates are worth highlighting)

With test rates plummeting due to COVID-19, pharmacies have been approved to supply HIV home tests over the counter or online to at-risk people HIV self-tests have been approved for sale in pharmacies, the TGA announced in recent days.

Just one test is approved for use in Australia – Atomo Diagnostics’ HIV Self-Test.

Rest of article is behind a paywall.

In 2020 compared to 2019 ( Global Health Fund )

• HIV testing fell 41%
• TB referrals – where patients suspected of having TB are referred to the next step of diagnosis and treatment – declined by 59%
• Malaria diagnoses fell by 31%
• Antenatal care visits fell by 43%