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The CheckNOW HIV Self-Test is a rapid, point-of-care test that detects antibodies to HIV-1 and HIV-2 in a finger stick whole blood sample.
This innovative technology allows users to perform the test in the privacy of their own homes, empowering them to know their HIV status without the fear of stigma or discrimination that may have previously deterred them from seeking healthcare services.
Her Excellence Alupo who represented President Museveni at the launch at Kololo noted that with this kit, the government intends to reach out to communities that have not been easily accessed for testing like the young people who shy to go to health facilities and other groups of people.
The Minister for Health, Dr Jane Ruth Aceng says the kit will help in gathering data from key populations, hard to reach areas, and young people among others.
Dr Henry Mwebesa, the Detector General Health Services says the Check Now kit will solve the challenge of shyness among the public by providing convenience, confidentiality, affordability and safety.
The test kit was developed by global medical device company Abbott and tested for effectiveness by the Uganda Virus Research Institute (UVRI).
A pilot study for the test kit was conducted in seven universities and now the plan is to have young people that were involved in the study introduce the testing method to their peers.
The target is to initially have thirty thousand young people tested as this group is a critical segment considering the fact that prevalence among young people especially adolescents and young women is higher than the 5% national average.