Index Case Testing: A Promising Strategy for Achieving HIV Epidemic Control

HIV & AIDS,
Technical Briefs & Case Studies

Index Case Testing: A Promising Strategy for Achieving HIV Epidemic Control

Malawi adopted the 90-90-90 strategy as part of the National Strategic Plan to end HIV/AIDS by 2030 which calls for: identifying 90% of people living with HIV (PLHIV); initiating and retaining on antiretroviral therapy (ART) 90% of PLHIV identified; and achieving 90% viral suppression for ART patients.

To achieve the first 90, the identification of PLHIV through HIV testing is key to the strategy’s success. To increase HIV case identification, the District Health System Strengthening and Quality Improvement for Service Delivery (DHSS) Project introduced index case testing in June 2016. All patients attending ART clinics were encouraged to bring their family members for HIV testing during family testing days that are organized at health facilities in the DHSS-supported districts. This brief describes the results of this intervention in 90 health facilities in six districts.