HIV self-tests reach new target groups

Free HIV self-tests can reach people who have so far made little or no use of existing testing services. This is the conclusion of a study by Swiss AIDS Aid¹, which will be presented at the 26th International AIDS Conference in Rio de Janeiro.

The analysis is based on 1,344 orders for HIV self-tests placed anonymously across Switzerland between November 2024 and November 2025. The pilot scheme was aimed at men who have sex with men and who had previously been tested rarely or never. The self-tests could be ordered free of charge and anonymously. Each parcel also included an information leaflet with contact details for the nearest counselling centre.

11.2 per cent of those who ordered an HIV self-test had never been tested for HIV before. Among those testing for the first time, there was a particularly high proportion of men who have sex with men (MSM) but do not identify as gay.

“The results show that HIV self-tests can reach people who have so far been less well catered for by existing services,” says Marc Eggenberger, project manager at the Swiss AIDS Federation.

Anonymity and ease of access lower barriers

The study shows that various factors can deter people from taking an HIV test. In addition to being available free of charge, convenience, discretion and privacy were key reasons for ordering a self-test. Some participants also cited a fear of prejudice.

Around 60 per cent of orders came from rural areas of Switzerland. The results therefore suggest that HIV self-tests can overcome geographical barriers to accessing testing services.

Self-tests facilitate the path to counselling

The study shows that HIV self-tests are not simply used in isolation. 12.6 per cent of respondents contacted a counselling centre after using the self-test.

Specialised counselling services remain central to this process. Almost half of the respondents stated that they preferred to visit a Checkpoint² for face-to-face counselling. The results thus confirm the important role of community-oriented services.

Marc Eggenberger emphasises: “HIV self-tests are not a substitute for specialised testing and counselling services, but an important complement to motivating underserved groups to engage in HIV prevention.”