Commentary on POCT for HIV/STBBI : an analysis of contextual factors impeding implementation in Canada 2018

As Canada gears up to achieving the UNAIDS 90-90-90 targets for HIV/AIDS, an underlying obstacle remains: detecting HIV in the 20% of individuals who remain unaware of their HIV sero-status. In this commentary, we make a case for a greater use of point-of-care technologies (POCTs) , their versatility of use across Canada, and potential for decentralized deployment, which will increase access and improve detection rates, and thus help achieve UNAIDS 90-90-90 targets. Further, to effectively control HIV/STBBI syndemics, we call for the following: i) increased funding for combined POCT initiatives, ii) scale-up of successful POCT pilots into provincial screening programs, iii) approval of POCTs to increase choice, availability, reduce costs, iv) training/certification of professionals on POCTs, and finally, v) making POCTs widely available nationwide for expanded access and health equity.

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