The Jamaica Aids Support for Life (JASL) on September 1 introduced HIV self-test kits to encourage locals to get tested and know their HIV status. The Ministry of Health estimates that close to 16% of the approximately 33,000 persons living with HIV in Jamaica, were unaware.
Having been first approved for use by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1996, HIV self-testing kits have been useful globally in helping people know their status while also reducing the nerves and potential stigma attached to traditional testing methods. On September 1, 2022, the self-test kits were formally introduced to Jamaica. Monitoring and Evaluation Manager at the Jamaica AIDS support for life Jasl, Xavier Biggs is urging individuals to consider the newest method to know their health status. Biggs explains the HIV self-test kits function similarly to a home pregnancy test.
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