A large review found that different community testing approaches reached different populations, and that active follow-up was associated with much stronger linkage to care.
What they studied
Researchers compared community-based and facility-based HIV testing approaches across sub-Saharan Africa. They examined who different approaches reached and how well people were connected to HIV care after testing.
What the research found
Researchers reviewed 126 eligible studies.
Mobile testing reached the highest proportion of men among the approaches examined: 50%.
Home testing with self-testing reached the highest proportion of young adults: 66%.
Community testing paired with active support to connect people to care achieved 95% linkage. Without facilitated linkage, the pooled figure was 26%.
What this helps us understand
The findings separate two parts of access that are often treated as one: reaching people for testing and connecting them to care afterward. Different testing models reached different populations, while active follow-up was associated with much higher linkage to care. For program teams, both the access point and the follow-up pathway are relevant parts of service design.
