The Ministry of Health and Medical Services is progressing towards the introduction of HIV rapid antigen testing for specific populations and locations. Dr. Rachel Devi, head of Family Health, explained that antibody testing is currently the standard method used in Fiji.
She highlighted the advantages of point-of-care testing, where individuals can visit a clinic, provide a blood sample, and receive results within approximately 20 minutes. Currently, sexual reproductive health hubs are equipped to carry out point-of-care testing, and there are plans to expand this service for confirmation testing in Fiji.
Dr. Devi noted that the ministry has not yet fully explored the option of HIV rapid antigen self-testing, particularly for individuals hesitant to visit medical facilities. She expressed concerns over the potential implications and psychological effects of receiving a positive test result at home, emphasizing the importance of education to prepare the population for such scenarios.
The ministry’s priority remains efficient testing and counseling for individuals. Dr. Devi mentioned that many people tend to withdraw after receiving a positive HIV diagnosis, underscoring the necessity of providing thorough post-test counseling to help individuals cope.
She explained that the antigen testing process will involve laboratory professionals administering the tests rather than self-administration. The ministry is working towards decentralizing HIV diagnosis confirmation, aiming to make testing accessible at major hospitals, subdivisional hospitals, and sexual reproductive health clinics.
Individuals will be given a three-month window to return for a repeat test, especially if they have engaged in unprotected sexual practices or injectable drug use recently. Test results will help determine whether individuals have contracted HIV based on their recent activities.