HIV Self-Testing | Action Story | Ending the HIV Epidemic

CDC was at the forefront of recognizing the potential of HIV self-testing during the pandemic. In February 2021, using EHE and Minority HIV/AIDS Fund investments, CDC launched a project with the goal of mailing 100,000 HIV self-tests to members of communities most affected by HIV. CDC had previously funded ground-breaking research, capacity-building assistance providers, community-based organizations, and health departments to evaluate and implement self-testing, but this effort was the first national, direct-to-consumer distribution project where anyone, anywhere in the U.S., could order a rapid HIV self-test at no cost. The success of the project shows what is possible when innovative strategies like direct-to-consumer distribution of self-tests are designed to reach people who could benefit most from HIV prevention and care. Not only do these strategies maximize the reach and effectiveness of HIV prevention tools, but they empower people to know their HIV status and take control of their health, as well.