Secondary HIV self-test distribution increases male partner testing

Abstract

There is established evidence that men are less likely than women to engage with HIV services; the latest global estimates show that, compared with women, 1 million more men living with HIV do not know their status, 1·8 million know their status but are not on treatment, and 1·6 million are not virally suppressed.1 Elimination of HIV requires concerted efforts to ensure that men are not left behind. Male partners of pregnant women are particularly important to engage to optimise HIV outcomes for themselves, their pregnant or lactating partners, and their babies, because incident maternal infection during breastfeeding is the largest contributor to postpartum mother-to-child transmission of HIV.