Optimizing delivery of HIV testing services to strengthen the continuum of care

HIV testing is a critical entry point to life-saving antiretroviral therapy (ART) for those diagnosed with HIV and to prevention services for those at high risk of acquiring HIV. Despite advances in testing, there remain a variety of social and programmatic challenges that prevent access to HIV testing services, particularly for men and key populations. HIV program managers and policymakers are increasingly invested in understanding how best to deliver HIV testing services to different populations and to maximize health system resources at facility and community levels. Project SOAR has contributed to the evidence base and catalyzed research use by examining HIV testing among key populations, which also can inform strategies to help other populations initiate and remain in care, reach viral suppression, and achieve positive health outcomes. This brief synthesizes results from 12 studies across 10 countries that examined barriers to and enablers of HIV testing uptake, and strategies for increasing uptake, optimizing delivery, and improving quality of HIV testing services at the individual, community, facility, and laboratory service-delivery levels