HIV Self-Testing and Partner Notification

HIV Self-Testing (HIVST) and Partner Notification Services are innovative strategies covered in tertiary public health and epidemiology courses in Zambia. HIVST involves individuals collecting their own oral fluid or blood sample, performing a rapid test, and interpreting the result, with clear guidance on confirmatory testing and support. Partner Notification is a voluntary process where trained providers assist HIV-positive individuals (index clients) in notifying their sexual or drug-injecting partners of potential exposure. This topic covers passive, assisted, provider contract, and dual referral approaches. For Zambian college students in health sciences, understanding these strategies is crucial for expanding testing coverage, reaching key populations, and enabling early diagnosis and linkage to care. This knowledge is important for exams and for implementing comprehensive, client-centered testing services in Zambia.