Starting January 2025, HIV self-testing kits will be sold at selected pharmacies in Singapore to promote regular testing and early detection. The kits will be available at Guardian and Watsons pharmacies, allowing individuals to test in the privacy of their homes.
The self-test kits will have an oral swab for detecting the body’s natural antibodies, and results can be obtained after at least 20 minutes.
Dr Janil was speaking at the 14th edition of the Singapore Aids Conference organised by non-governmental organisation Action for Aids Singapore . The result of a single rapid diagnostic test such as the HIV self-testing kit is not sufficient to make a diagnosis of HIV infection. PHOTO: MINISTRY OF HEALTH
More than half of newly detected HIV cases here had late-stage infection at the time of diagnosis, making up 51 per cent of cases in 2023, 52 per cent in 2022, and 62 per cent in 2021, according to MOH. The proportion of late-stage infection detected through self-initiated HIV testing made up only 15 per cent of cases in 2023, 17 per cent in 2022, and 16 per cent in 2021.
“I would like to emphasise that self-testing is an additional tool, and it is not a replacement of our broader HIV testing efforts. Visiting a clinic or engaging with community-based testing programmes should remain the preferred method, and these pathways will continue to be available,” he added. He said the Government will work closely with community partners to ensure the kits are used effectively.
MOH and the Health Promotion Board recommend that every adult should get tested at least once in their lifetime, regardless of risk factors. Individuals who engage in high-risk sexual behaviours should go for regular HIV testing every three to six months.
HIV Self-Testing Kits Singapore Guardian Watsons Ministry Of Health Regular Testing Early Detection
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