There is a strong emphasis on ensuring that people living with HIV are linked to ART after receiving a positive test result. People who test HIV-negative and are at risk for HIV should likewise be linked to effective prevention. This includes voluntary medical male circumcision, PrEP, male and female condoms and other targeted tools. PrEP programs will place new demands on testing programs. Individuals need a confirmed HIV-negative test before initiating PrEP and need to be re-tested periodically while taking PrEP.
Assessing national and sub-national testing programs for strengths and challenges that might impact PrEP delivery is key. You will need to determine the infrastructure and human resource needs for the HIV testing requirements associated with PrEP. In many instances, local community-based organizations and healthcare facilities will be instrumental to providing HIV testing for the clients of PrEP programs.