HIV SELF TESTING STUDY
The study aims to evaluate the incremental benefit of the community-based implementation of HIV Self Testing (HIVST) strategies as a part of existing HIV and sexual health interventions with MSM in Kenya on:
• Reducing the overall size of the undiagnosed MSM population and
• Reducing time for linkage to prevention, treatment, and care following HIV testing
The HIVST study which commenced in November 2018 undertakes a programme science approach. The study which is being implemented in Mombasa, Kisumu, and Kiambu uses a mixed-method approach to conduct this evaluation. A baseline and an end-line survey were conducted with 1200 MSM respondents sampled from physical and virtual sites. Qualitative longitudinal in-depth interviews were conducted with respondents at three-time points. Sexual network mapping was also conducted at baseline. The end-line data is being currently analyzed to answer some of the key research questions. The study also completed a costing sub-study to estimate the cost of integrating HIVST within HIV prevention programs for MSM. PHDA partners with the University of Manitoba, NASCOP, G10, Men Against AIDS Youth Group (MAAYGO), Kisumu, Mamboleo Peer Empowerment Group (MPEG), Kiambu, and HIV & AIDS People’s Alliance of Kenya (HAPA-Kenya) in implementing this project with funding from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.