Digital HIV self-testing as an exemplar: a perspective on benefits, challenges, and opportunities.

Abstract

Introduction: Digital human immunodeficiency virus self-testing (HIVST) leverages digital supports, enhancing accessibility, privacy, and early detection of HIV, empowering individuals to manage their HIV status and facilitating timely linkage to care. These advancements contribute to reduced HIV transmission and thereby lead to improved health outcomes.

Areas covered: This perspective examines the current landscape of digital HIVST strategies, highlighting challenges that must be addressed and opportunities that are presented as the field evolves.

Expert opinion: Implementing advances in digital HIVST requires a unified digital network architecture that integrates proven tools (digital supports) within the World Health Organization's One Health Agenda. This includes strategies effective in diverse settings, supported by evolving governance and ethics frameworks that ensure data safety and privacy. Although data on linkages to care are strong, digital HIVST strategies may need further field validation, especially in low-income countries. Key challenges include systems integration, data privacy safeguards, and implementation of proven digital supports. Embracing digital readers, machine learning solutions, chatbots, and wearable solutions can improve outcomes that translate to significant public health benefits in the context of HIV elimination. Investing in digital technologies and integrating digital HIVST into HIV prevention and care programs can enable progress toward UNAIDS elimination targets.