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As part of the implementation of the "RAFG Activity" project, Service Yezu Mwiza (SYM) supported by FHI360 on funding from the US Government via PEPFAR / USAID, in a context of: the elimination of HIV where it is necessary to identify positive cases and linking them to Undetectable Viral Load (CV) treatment, introduced a new "Oraquick" screening method.

Addendum to the 2016 guidelines on the Use of Antiretrovirals for HIV Prevention and Treatment Released in 2018, in HIV Testing and Diagnosis, the goal of implementation the self-test is "to provide HIV Autotest to key populations with peer educator support to increase the coverage and performance of HIV testing and link positive cases to care" introduces a new HIV testing method.

Thanks to the self-test, it will now be possible to self-screen for HIV even at home. You will know that in Burundi the preferred option is self-testing assisted by a community health worker or health care provider. This test is all the more beneficial because it is not traumatic because it is based on saliva and the results can be read or interpreted in just 20 minutes.
The other advantage is that this type of screening extends the offer of HIV services (screening) to at-risk populations, but also other categories of people who, for various reasons, do not attend counseling and testing services located in health structures for fear of stigmatization.

Where can we find Oraquick?

This method is not yet nationwide. The sites that implement the self-test are determined by the Provincial Team Leader of the Reaching an AIDS-free Generation in Burundi (RAFG) Activity, to support the availability of kits in a timely manner.