Scaling-up HIV self-testing to improve access to screening in Côte d’Ivoire

1. Why are HIV self-tests an innovative solution?

In Côte d’Ivoire, HIV is most prevalent among groups such as sex workers, men who have sex with men, people who inject drugs, and transgender people, with the rate rising to over 20% among this last group (Unaids data, 2023). It can be harder for these groups to access HIV testing, which lets individuals know whether they have the disease so they can quickly receive antiretroviral therapy.

HIV self-testing is a simple, autonomous and confidential method that is particularly suited to high-prevalence and hard-to-reach populations. In Côte d’Ivoire, self-tests are now available in private pharmacies at relatively affordable prices (between 5,500 and 6,000 FCFA for oral HIV self-tests). To support the roll-out of these tests, 70 pharmacists were trained in 2024 in the Abidjan regions to improve accessibility and service quality. In addition, public-private partnerships are being developed with the Order of Pharmacists, laboratories, wholesale distributors and dispensaries, to ensure these services are monitored and promoted.

This approach works alongside the free government schemes targeting priority populations, while expanding access to the general population. HIV self-tests are currently being introduced in the workplace (public and private companies), which will help detect more cases of HIV across the country.

2. Can you tell us how you’ve been working with the government on this project?

Solthis is supporting the National AIDS Control Program (PNLS) with the implementation of its 2021-2026 National Strategic Plan, and with self-testing specifically, by co-developing and validating a 2024-2026 Scale-Up Plan (PPE), as well an associated monitoring and evaluation plan.

The government has made a strong commitment to promote and scale-up HIVST, demonstrated by the involvement of the Coordinating Director of the PNLS, and the work done to improve screening services, monitoring and evaluation systems, social mobilization and communication. The PNL has led regular coordination meetings with technical and financial partners, as well as those responsible for implementation, to monitor the scale-up plan and mobilize the necessary resources. Health facilities and community organizations are monitoring the situation, in collaboration with the PNLS, to ensure the quality of the actions taken.

3. What is the FID funding going towards in this project?

The purpose of this project is to support the National Strategic Plan to Combat HIV, with a view to scaling-up these efforts for 2026. Monitoring and data collection will help to effectively guide the national HIV self-testing strategy. The funding will also be used to build the capacity of pharmacists and company physicians by providing customized training, while supporting campaigns to raise public awareness about the availability of HIV self-tests. By helping to consolidate the existing national strategy and launch new initiatives (self-blood tests; roll-out in companies), Solthis, with the support of FID, aims to make the country’s national program more robust and boost its impact.

4. Today is World AIDS Day, can you tell us what you’re doing to mark this occasion?

To mark World AIDS Day, Solthis supported the National Strategic Plan to Combat HIV with the organization of a national campaign in Côte d'Ivoire to raise public awareness about the importance of testing in general and to promote access to HIV self-tests in pharmacies. This initiative aims to raise awareness about HIV at a time when the epidemic receives little media coverage but remains a public health issue. The campaign is running prime-time television and radio spot ads to reach the widest possible audience. These actions will encourage people to get tested and help them understand what tools are available to them, while reducing the stigma around HIV. This awareness-raising campaign will serve to bolster current efforts in this field, while tackling inequalities in health care access, a key strategy for reducing new infections and improving overall care.

At the same time, more targeted actions have been taken, such as training pharmacists to facilitate access to these self-tests, and expanding the channels of distribution to meet the needs of a wide range of people, including vulnerable groups.