Green light for HIV self-test kits

THE HIV self-tests are already available in limited pharmacies after a May 2015 decision by the council effectively removed the ban on pharmacist sales of the kits.

The decision comes almost one year after the council gazetted a draft plan to remove the ban.

The proposed lifting of the ban was warmly received publicly, according to CEO Amos Masango

Continuous deliberations

‘Most pharmacists and the public felt that a pharmacist was better placed to deal with the sale of such tests given the sensitivity and the professionalism required in dealing with the condition,’ said Masango.

‘In May 2015, the council finally resolved that the minimum standards were sufficient and that there was no requirement to formulate further standards for selling HIV test kits.’

‘Pharmacists are in a position to sell these kits at this point in time.’

Tests get support

The Southern African HIV Clinicians Society has previously voiced its support for home testing although president Francesca Conradie has said that guaranteeing test quality will be important.

‘There are many people who want to test and who do not want to interface with the healthcare system. We believe the more people testing, the better,’ said Conradie.

‘Let’s get as many people to test as possible.’

Concerns

While rapid testing may assist in facilitating the diagnosis of HIV infection, self-testing in the absence of trained counsellors could be risky for newly diagnosed people living with HIV.

‘Anything can happen if you test yourself,’ said Lehlohonolo Adams Clinic counsellor Lydia Lesala.

‘You might accuse people wrongly of infecting you and some people can even commit suicide.’

Lesala also had concerns about whether people who tested HIV positive at home would report to their local clinics for crucial tests needed to determine whether they should start HIV treatment.

Pre-test counseling may need to be provided before the kits are sold.