HIV self-testing with digital support makes tests accessible, secure in China

These devices must be available in the online market with ensured security.

Making HIV self-testing (HIVST) in digital platforms, including social media, apps, and vending machines, will make tests accessible and cheaper whilst maintaining privacy for communities in China who are at risk of social discrimination, data analytics firm, GlobalData, said.

In its report, GlobalData bared that the Chinese HIV tests market is expected to rise from 2015 to 2030 because of the increase in the number of suspected infection cases, live birth rates, whole blood donations, and source plasma donations.

Disha Goyal, medical devices analyst for GlobalData, called for additional efforts to increase awareness of the benefits of HIVST on online platforms.

“Along with the increasing easy access to HIVST, the government should take additional initiatives in spreading awareness on the benefits of these alternatives as compared to conventional HIV testing within this population as they are at high risk of contracting HIV,” said Goyal.