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India’s HIV testing landscape is entering a transformative phase, driven by the rise of accessible diagnostics, growing digital integration, and a nationwide push towards reducing stigma.
Dr Rashmi Khadapkar, senior research scientist and senior DGM – R&D operations, Agilus Diagnostics said that on the World AIDS Day, observed annually on December 1, it is important to acknowledge that the current chasm between HIV awareness and getting tested in India is stark. The delay in diagnosis is not due to a lack of information; rather, it is impelled by deep-seated stigma, fear of results, and significant structural barriers in our healthcare system.
To bridge this gap, integrated solutions that go beyond mere awareness campaigns are required. This calls for decentralising testing services, integrating them into routine primary care, and launching community-centric, de-stigmatised health dialogues. By creating a more accessible, confidential, and supportive environment, we can empower individuals to come forward and move away from hesitation to proactive health management and timely care, she added.
For over 40 years, diagnostics is considered as backbone of HIV prevention, treatment and complete care. Quality diagnostics is the crucial link between early diagnosis,effective management and overall prevention. Since the first HIV tests were developed in 1985, diagnostic innovations such as point of care technologies, minimally invasive collection devices have enabled treatment across different stages of HIV infection, to ensure viral suppression or assessing development of drug resistance. These innovations are helping to develop cost-effective and accessible testing facilities even for rural/remote populations, said Dr Rashmi.
Approximately 500+ anti-retroviral therapy (ART) centres in India facilitate comprehensive HIV/AIDS care. The 'test and treat' strategy has enables rapid case detection, holistic management of HIV cases and controlling spread of HIV. The need for long-term control of HIV pandemic is expected to fuel innovations in data systems, artificial intelligence and next generation point of care technologies.
Post diagnosis, HIV positive individuals are reliably monitored through advanced molecular tests such as viral load, she noted.
HIV is known to ravish the body and mind, whereas stigma ravishes individual’s family and community space. India has made decent progress in terms of availability and accessibility of HIV testing and treatment, however stigma continues to pose a major challenge in controlling this epidemic. There is no universal remedy to reduce stigma and discrimination that occurs in both urban and rural setup across India, Dr Rashmi told Pharmabiz.
Denial of hospital care, expulsion from colleges, homes or society, unemployment or termination of employment are few documented discriminatory behaviours in India. Mitigated conscious actions towards these discriminatory behaviours is required.
Here, there is an urgent need for awareness about Human Immunodeficiency Virus and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (Prevention and Control) Act, 2017 among healthcare providers and the general population. This act prohibits the disclosure of a person's HIV status without their informed consent, except in specific legal or medical situations. Encouragement and empowerment of individuals to put personal health first is key to overcoming HIV stigma, she said.
Despite years of awareness campaigns, India continues to face delays in HIV testing due to stigma, fear of discrimination, and logistical challenges particularly in remote regions. Laboratories play an important role in encouraging individuals to come forward for testing ensuring accuracy and privacy while maintaining strong linkages for pre- and post-test counselling and treatment.
Future of HIV testing in India lies in expanding access to reliable diagnostics, integrating digital tools for convenience, and creating a stigma-free environment, said Dr Rashmi.
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