VN009-Technical Service Agreement to carry out a pilot project of web-based HIV self-testing (HIVST) model in Hanoi and submit a report at the end of the pilot period

Background

HIV self-testing (HIVST) has been recommended by WHO since 2016 to facilitate access to HIV testing especially for key populations who may hesitate to access facility-based testing due to being fear of stigma discrimination, confidentiality issue and/or inconvenience.  Viet Nam introduced HIVST since 2017 starting with a pilot project in selected provinces.  The results from pilot supported MOH in development of the national guidelines on community-based HIV testing including HIVST which was approved by MOH in 2018. Results from implementation of HIVST demonstrated that HIVST can reach young and first-time testers with the high yield of HIV positive and good linkage to care.

Up to date, community distribution model is used to distribute HIVST. This model requires peer educators to handling HIVST kits to clients at the testing sites or at their house. While this approach can optimize follow-up client after testing and link them to prevention and/or care facilities, it can reach limited number of key populations due to constraint of human resources and may not reach key populations who may not willing to meet face to face with peer educators.

To address this gap, WHO and Viet Nam Authority for HIV/AIDS Control (VAAC) developed a web-based HIVST model which has been piloted in Can Tho since November 2020. The primary target population of Can Tho pilot is HIV positive individuals. Based on early success from Can Tho pilot, WHO and VAAC will extend this pilot to Hanoi city with focusing linkages to PrEP for those with HIV negative results, in addition to ART for HIV positive individuals. Hanoi is one of the two cities has largest MSM communities in Viet Nam with high and increased HIV prevalence among MSM. The experience gained from this pilot will inform national program in scale-up of HIVST in Viet Nam to reach the national target of 95-95-95 by 2030.

WHO is calling for a capable institution to carry out a pilot project of web-based HIVST model in Hanoi and submit a report at the end of the pilot.

Address for application:

Administrative Officer

World Health Organization

UN Building, 304 Kim Ma Street, Hanoi, Viet Nam

Or by email at:

wpvnmapplicants@who.int