AIDS 2024: 5 insights towards improving access and optimizing the range and costs of HIV testing globally

The meeting focused on “Improving Access to and Optimizing the Range and Costs of HIV Testing – A Global Advocacy Experience” was held in Munich on July 23rd, 2024.

The primary objective of the session was to foster the formation of new global partnerships aimed at enhancing access to HIV testing, both for treatment monitoring and initial screening. The session emphasized sharing best practices to reduce costs and improve the accessibility of HIV testing. Key activities included presentations of regional experiences, a moderated panel discussion on the challenges and solutions in HIV testing access, an interactive Q&A session, and networking opportunities to build collaborative projects.

SUMMARY OF THE SESSION:

1️⃣ First of all this meeting underscored the importance of global cooperation, innovative approaches, and community engagement in improving access to and optimizing the costs of HIV testing.

2️⃣ Key issues and challenges:

• Significant price discrepancies for diagnostic tools and limited competition among manufacturers.
• Weak linkage between testing and subsequent prevention and treatment programs.
• Inaccurate calculation of test costs due to omission of maintenance and repair expenses.
• Insufficient community involvement in advocating for expanded access to testing.
• Data transparency issues, with many countries not providing detailed procurement data.

3️⃣ During the event it was discussed the following recommendations and solutions:

• Increase competition among manufacturers to lower prices while maintaining quality.
• Enhance the linkage between testing and prevention programs to ensure comprehensive care.
• Implement accurate cost calculations that include maintenance and repair costs.
• Foster community involvement in monitoring and advocating for testing access.
• Improve data transparency and share procurement methodologies and prices.

4️⃣ At the moment, the most important strategic initiatives are:

• Promoting the use of rapid diagnostic tests and move away from Western blot confirmatory tests.
• Advocating for joint HIV and TB testing using the same equipment to optimize resources.
• Encourage partnerships and collaboration among global stakeholders to share best practices and strategies.

5️⃣ To implement those essential measures, it is important as early as possible:  

• Utilize centralized procurement for critical tests like CD4 and viral load to ensure affordability and access.
• Integrate testing services with other healthcare facilities to maximize resource utilization.
• Continue to expand and refine analytics to cover all components of the testing process, ensuring comprehensive monitoring.

We would like to give thanks to the key speakers of panel discussion: Alma de Leon (ITPC), Timur Abdullaev (TB people Global), Alexey Mikhailov (ITPC EECA), Iryna Bilous (Ukrainian Regional Specialized Medical Center of the Cherkasy Regional Council), as well as Denis Godlevsky (ITPC EECA) for the moderation.