Workshop for introduction of the pilot project to provide HIV self-testing services via website

In the morning of April 9, 2021, Center for Training and Research on Subsstance Abuse – HIV (CREATA – H), Hanoi Medical University collaborated with Vietnam Ministry of Health – Administration for HIV/AIDS Control (VAAC) and World Health Organization (WHO) to held a workshop called: “Introduction of the pilot project to provide HIV self-testing services via website” in Hanoi. The workshop was attended by nearly 40 delegates, including project staff, staff of the Preventive Medicine Centers and representatives from community based organizations.

Opening remarks, Assoc. Dr. Le Minh Giang, PhD. made a speech about the necessity and importance of HIV self-testing for the 95-95-95 goal and ending the AIDS epidemic by 2030 of the National Strategy on HIV Prevention and Control.

Dr. Nguyen Thi Thuy Van, PhD – WHO representative in Vietnam shared about the plan to pilot the project of providing self-testing kits via website and the project’s significance in encouraging the community to self-test HIV at home.

MSc. Vo Hai Son – VAAC representative presented about HIV testing strategies in Vietnam, which emphasized the application of diverse solutions for HIV / AIDS testing counseling models in health facilities and in the community. Self-testing at home is one of the preeminent solutions in the context of the ongoing COVID-19 epidemic in Vietnam, as well as addressing the key population’s fears of stigma and discrimination when coming for HIV testing at medical centers.

Models of HIV self-testing at home through self-test kits via website have also been deployed in many different countries around the world and have been proven with  feasibility and effectiveness.

At the workshop, the delegates were introduced to the website www.tuxetnghiem.vn and given instructions on how to register to receive oral self-test kits. All information of the customers are committed to confidentiality. This model has been piloted in Can Tho since November 2020 and received many positive feedbacks. Customers with non-reactive results may access preventive services (such as: PrEP, condoms, lubricants). Customers with “reactive” results are transferred for confirmation HIV tests and access to HIV/AIDS treatment services. In Hanoi, the pilot project of providing HIV self-testing via website will be implemented at SHP Clinic – Hanoi Medical University Hospital from April to the end of December 2021.

Some pictures of the workshop: