Nairobi, Kenya, December 1, 2023 — In commemoration of World AIDS Day, Medionics Healthcare Limited, the exclusive distributor of OraQuick HIV self-testing kits, is partnering with Orasure, to stress the importance of knowing one’s HIV status and advocate for the benefits of oral HIV testing.
This year’s World AIDS Day theme emphasizes the key role of testing in controlling and ultimately ending the HIV/AIDS pandemic. Despite significant strides in HIV treatment and prevention, early detection remains an important step, and the accessibility of oral HIV testing proves instrumental in addressing this challenge.
In Kenya, where approximately 1.4 million people live with HIV, and 50,000 new infections occur annually, the need for heightened awareness and testing accessibility is paramount, especially among high-risk populations.
The OraQuick Oral HIV self-testing kit, endorsed by the World Health Organization (WHO), utilizes oral fluid antibodies for testing, offering a more convenient and less intimidating option than traditional blood-based testing. This is particularly significant in Kenya, where cultural stigma surrounding HIV testing can hinder access to care.
Oral testing is a game-changer for HIV self-testing, providing a painless and non-invasive way to test for HIV in the privacy of your own home. We are proud to support World AIDS Day and the fight against HIV/AIDS in Kenya, ensuring everyone has access to information and resources for prevention and a healthy life.
Dr. S.K. Arimi, CEO of Medionics Healthcare Ltd, expressed enthusiasm about the impact of oral testing in Kenya.
Some of the advantages of using oral HIV testing is that they’re non-invasive and painless, they’re convenient and offer ultimate privacy, are quick and give reliable results, and they also encourage regular testing.
reporting by JAMES MUTUA
