Advantages of HIV-Self Testing

To order a free HIV home self-test click here. Our HIV Resource Guide may also be helpful in finding free or low cost HIV testing and treatment throughout Georgia. Click here for the guide.

ADVANTAGES OF HIV-SELF TESTING:

GCAPP is proud to be one of numerous organizations selected by the CDC Foundation to increase availability and accessibility of HIV self-testing. The national project expands public health strategies to address stigma, increase testing acceptance, and increase the number of people who know their HIV status.  Drawing on the strengths of partners throughout the state, GCAPP provides critical information about HIV-self testing to key communities.

Knowing your HIV status has many advantages.  HIV testing is an essential entry point to HIV treatment, prevention, care, and support services.

HIV self-testing at home offers an innovative way to bridge gaps in access to HIV testing and ensure that HIV testing is simple and more accessible for all, but most people (61%) have never been tested for HIV. The CDC recommends that everyone between the ages of 13 and 64 get tested for HIV at least once as part of routine medical care, and that some groups at increased risk of HIV transmission be tested more frequently.

HIV self-testing empowers people to find out their HIV status wherever and whenever they want with results in 20 minutes. The fear of stigma deters many people from accessing HIV testing services. HIV self-testing gives people the freedom to test anonymously, confidentially and privately and has been shown to reach people who would not otherwise be reached by testing services including men, young people, and members of key populations—gay men and other men who have sex with men, and transgender people.