Same data, different message
Two days ago, I wrote about a study out of Montreal showing that the oral swab test is just as effective in detecting HIV as the rapid blood test in high-prevalance settings. There is much to celebrate in this study, as it will hopefully open the...
"An AIDS-Free Generation is within our reach."
In the lead-up to World AIDS Day 2011, voices from all over the globe - including Secretary of State Hilary Clinton and Bono - proclaimed that what had been unimaginable to them just a few years ago is now within our vision. They cited research that showed male circumcision and HIV-treatments drastically reduce transmission and it is time to fully utilize these. As Bono said, the pandemic will be in decline when"fewer people are infected than treated."
At The Mosaic Initiative, there is total agreement that an end to the pandemic is within our grasp. That's been our belief for over 5 years. But it's going to take more than ramping up treatment and circumcisions - both of which are rife with challenges. HIV-testing will be vital to the success of these efforts, but all these leaders to a person remain silent on the fact that self-testing could be a game-changer that reaches more people in a much more cost-effective manner.
As 2012 unfolds significant change may be on the horizon. TheFDA is in the final phases of approving rapid self-testing (also known as "home-based, self-administered, or HBSA HIV-tests, or Over-the-Counter Rapid Test - OTCRT). Research indicates we are ready to try it, and studies show that some of the highest-risk individuals who have never tested state that they would if self-testing were an option. Furthermore, in places where people are discouraged from using public funds for testing, self-testing is a viable option. The FDA is considering approval, and UNAIDS made the case for self-testing in its 2011 World AIDS Day Report, but activists are silent. Why? Myopic thinking and turf are two reasons. But self-testing would allow for bold thinking and bold action: all people in the US Know Their Status within 2 years of OTCRT approval. (See Brad Ogilvie's Washington Post essay about bolder action in DC).
And we have the technology to do it, as this video shows:
(If this plays slow, you can also see this video here)
This is just one aspect of our work. We are committed to working with communities in Illinois, Washington DC, rural Kenya, and anywhere that doors open to stopping the spread of HIV. Modern technology gives us more options than ever to reach more people than ever. We welcome you to join us. Some simple things you can do:
Get tested. If you are comfortable, share with us your experience, including costs, paperwork, time, etc. We are collecting narratives as we promote changes so access is as easy as possible.
Know the Basics. As this video shows, these are often overlooked:
Advocate for approval of "over-the-counter" sales of HIV-tests (sign our petition here). Tell others that this is available. Let's raise our voices for access.
Learn more about where the barriers lie, and what are the concerns that need to be addressed.