Enhancing Community Capacity to Support HIV Self-Testing

Background

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one in eight people living with HIV in the United States is undiagnosed, and more than one third of all new HIV infections are transmitted by people who do not know that they have HIV. HIV self-tests, which can be done at home or in other private settings, are a confidential way for people to learn their HIV status, and this knowledge can help connect them to lifesaving preventative tools and treatment. Because of COVID-19 lockdowns and closures, HIV self-testing increased over the past two years, and it has proven to be a cost-effective way to make HIV testing more accessible in regions where healthcare is often a challenge—including in communities with limited access to affordable medical testing, rural communities and those that are disproportionately affected by HIV.

Solution and Impact

The CDC Foundation is funding 53 community-based organizations in this program to help increase access to HIV self-testing in communities across the country. Their programs establish or expand upon HIV self-testing programs by:

  • Procuring and distributing HIV self-test kits to clients
  • Distributing other HIV risk reduction products
  • Developing communication products that educate clients about HIV self-testing
  • Equipping trusted influential messengers
  • Hosting or supporting local events
  • Developing educational campaigns
  • Collaborating with state and/or local health departments
  • Collaborating with medical clinics, SSPs or other community-serving organizations
  • Developing safe spaces for clients

Learn more about the 53 community-based organizations we support.

This project is supported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award totaling $9M with 100 percent funded by CDC/HHS. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by CDC/HHS or the U.S. Government.

Program Description: To build and expand the capacity of community-based organizations to implement and improve HIV self-testing programs.
Funding Partners:
  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Program Partners:
  • CDC's National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention
  • Multiple Organizations
Program Location:
  • United States of America
HIV/AIDS
Infectious Disease
STD Prevention
VIDA, a San Diego-based organization, has been at the forefront of the fight against HIV in the Latinx community throughout its 10-year span, including as the first organization to provide free HIV self-test kits in San Diego during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic. By providing education, open dialogue and strong role models, as well as HIV self-testing kits, VIDA has made a considerable impact in stopping HIV stigma and addressing the disproportionate impact of HIV on Hispanic/Latinx LGBTQ+ communities.
Ohio-based Asian Services In Action co-hosted a Lunar New Year event with performances & entertainment, as well as information on HIV self-testing and COVID-19 vaccines. There was vibrant music, dancing and martial arts as Ohio rang in the Year of the Rabbit!