HIV self-test kits also at Action for AIDS clinic in Jalan Besar
During the Covid-19 pandemic, self-testing kits became a common household item for many to monitor their health.
Now, a similar convenience is set to arrive for Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) testing.
Starting end-January 2025, HIV self-test kits will be available at pharmacies across Singapore, allowing individuals to test themselves in the privacy of their homes.
Source: Ministry of Health
HIV self-test kits available at some Guardian & Watsons pharmacies
In a press release on Saturday (30 Nov), the Ministry of Health (MOH) said the HIV self-testing kits will be available at “selected retail pharmacies” across Singapore.
According to a list of pharmacies put up by HIVTestGoWhere, 22 locations islandwide will sell the kits.
This includes 10 Guardian outlets at locations such as AMK Hub, Paya Lebar Quarter, and Jurong Point, as well as 10 Watsons outlets at spots such as Paragon, Tiong Bahru Plaza, and Toa Payoh HDB Hub.
The kits will also be found at the Action for AIDS (AfA) clinic on Kelantan Lane, off Jalan Besar, and the National Skin Centre Retail Pharmacy.
HIV self-test kits can be used in a private setting
The kits can be used independently in a private setting, MOH said.
They are quick and convenient to use, involving swabbing oneself to collect oral specimens.
Source: Ministry of Health
Links to instructional videos online in local languages will be provided.
Users can also find information on HIV and counselling hotlines at the locations where the self-test kits are sold.
MOH has advised that a single rapid diagnostic test is insufficient for an HIV diagnosis. Individuals who test positive using the self-test kits should consult a healthcare provider for confirmation and treatment.
For those who test negative, MOH recommends repeating the test up to three months later, particularly if they have had recent unprotected sex or are at higher risk of HIV infection.
Govt committed to increasing accessibility to testing: Minister
Senior Minister of State for Health Janil Puthucheary, speaking at an annual Singapore Aids Conference on Saturday, said the national rollout of HIV self-test kits was part of the Government’s “ongoing commitment to reduce the spread of HIV and to increase accessibility to testing”.
Their introduction will provide individuals with greater access to HIV testing and the ability to test themselves in the comfort and privacy of their own homes, reducing the fear of stigma as a barrier to getting tested, he said.
He added:
It empowers individuals to take charge of their own health, and it reinforces the idea that early detection is crucial for the initiation of treatment.
MOH will also work closely with community partners to ensure the kits are used effectively.
Source: Ministry of Health
Support and guidance on what to do next is also important to users, especially if they test positive.
Those who need a helping hand are advised to contact the Department of Sexually Transmitted Infections Control (DSC) Clinic at 1800 252 1324 and/or AfA at 6254 0212.
Every adult should get tested at least once in their lifetime, MOH recommends
MOH revealed that a large proportion of newly detected HIV cases in Singapore were already in the late stage at the time of diagnosis.
52% of infections detected in 2023 were at a late stage, compared with 51% in 2022 and 62% in 2021.
The proportion detected through self-initiated HIV testing was “relatively low”, with 15% of such cases in 2023, 17% in 2022 and 16% in 2021.
The ministry reminded the public that the only way to know one’s HIV status is through testing, which allows individuals to seek early treatment and prevent further transmission.
It recommended that all adults get tested at least once in their lifetime, regardless of risk factors.
For those engaging in high-risk sexual behaviours, regular testing every three to six months is advised.
Also read: S’porean man jailed after passing HIV to partner & selling her sexual services
S’porean man jailed after passing HIV to partner & selling her sexual services
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Featured image adapted from Ministry of Health.
