Global Narrative - Streamlined Rapid Testing Pilot

February 2008
Kampala, Uganda

Overview:
AHF UGANDA CARES, with its partners Market Vendors AIDS Project, Marie Stopes Uganda, launched a drive to provide easy access to HIV Counseling and Testing (HCT) in two of its clinic sites:

• Urban Setting: St. Balikuddembe Clinic (Kampala, Uganda)
  
• Rural setting: Masaka Healthcare Centre (Masaka, Uganda)

Mobilization/Outreach Efforts:

• Radio announcements
• Posters
• Peer educators
• Mobile van

Training (for those performing the tests):
3 days on HIV Counseling and Testing (HCT)

Testing:
Pre-test group counseling was done.

Post-test results were offered confidentially with more time devoted for HIV positive clients.

Test Kits:

• Initial Test: INSTI -- 60 second test produced by bioLytical Laboratories.
  • Results are read within 60 seconds.
• Confirmatory Test: Stat pack
• Tie Breaker: Unigold

Results:

	Masaka	St. Balikuddembe	Total
Total Clients Tested:	371	733	1,104
Clients Tested Positive:	50 or 13%	71 or 10%	121
Male to Female ratio	1:1	2:1	NA
Age Range	2 - 76	5 - 65	NA

 

1,104 clients (371 in Masaka, 733 in St.Balikuddembe) tested for HIV, 50 (13%) tested HIV positive in Masaka and 71 (10%) in St.Balikuddembe on a single day. Male to female ratio was ~ 1:1 in Masaka and ~ 2:1 in St. Balikuddembe: Age range was 5 - 65 years in St.Balikuddembe and 2 -76 years in Masaka.

 

 

 

Lessons learned:

• Streamlined HIV testing in a group setting was successful due to mobilization.
• Space and staff are critical to handle large client numbers.
• Quick rapid tests enable more people to be tested.
• More men can be targeted for testing with active mobilization.