HIV self-testing in Singapore is safe, feasible and acceptable: Results from a pilot implementation project

The Joint United Nations Programme on human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) (UNAIDS) has set an ambitious goal to end AIDS by 2030 by achieving the 95-95-95 testing and treatment targets by 2025, where 95% of all people living with HIV should be aware of their HIV status, 95% of all people diagnosed with HIV infection should receive antiretroviral therapy (ART) and 95% of all people receiving ART should have sustained viral suppression.1 The first of the UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets is particularly important. In Singapore, only 85% of individuals with HIV are aware of their status,2 and HIV self-testing (HIVST) has the potential to increase access and close the gap towards achieving the UNAIDS’ testing target. From 1 August 2022 to 31 March 2024, the HIVST pilot project was implemented in Singapore to assess real-world acceptability of HIVST and its safe and effective use among at-risk individuals in Singapore, prior to a national roll-out.