As Bhutan aligns its national targets with the global goals of ending HIV/AIDs by 2030, the health ministry is ramping up intervention programmes to achieve the universal target. One of the programmes is the oral self-testing kit services for HIV, which was initiated in six priority districts this month.
This is also aimed at enhancing the sustainability of the HIV services across the country, as underscored during stakeholders meeting in the capital yesterday.
The six priority districts are Thimphu, Chhukha, Sarpang, Wangdue Phodrang, Punakha and Samdrup Jongkhar.
According to the health ministry’s study, these districts are said to have a high prevalence of HIV.
The study was conducted in 2019 to ascertain credible data to help the ministry develop sound national response programmes on HIV.
In an interview with BBS, the Programme Manager of the National Aids Control Programme under the health ministry, Lekey Khandu said, “What the study actually recommended through the finding is that the HIV self-testing is acceptable and feasible among the key population and as well as the general population in Bhutan.”
According to him, the study will also help them prepare holistic plans and programmes related to HIV/AIDS in the country.
Bhutan has seen a growing social acceptance for the people living with HIV over the years.
However, they still do face some discrimination in society, which bars them from getting tested at health centres. So, the self-testing kit is expected to increase the testing coverage and reduce stigmas surrounding HIV/AIDS.
This is one of the response programmes toward achieving the goal of eliminating HIV by 2030. But health officials said it is an uphill task.
“We are really striving hard to achieve the target. But we really cannot promise that we can achieve it within the given time. Nonetheless, we want to try and achieve 60 to 70 per cent,” added Lekey Khandu.
The self-testing services will gradually be expanded in the remaining 14 districts. The existing HIV testing services at the health facilities around the country will continue.
Bhutan first detected the HIV case in 1993. Since then, almost 800 individuals were tested positive for HIV.
Currently, there are about 600 people living with HIV in the country.
Karma Wangdi
Edited by Pema Lhaden
