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In recognition of World AIDS Day, Medionics Healthcare Limited, the exclusive distributor of OraQuick HIV self-testing kits, is highlighting the critical importance of knowing your HIV status and advocating for the benefits of oral HIV testing. Medionics Healthcare in partnership with Orasure, the manufacturers of Oraquick HIV Self Test kits, is dedicated to increasing awareness and accessibility to HIV testing, particularly emphasizing the advantages and convenience of oral testing methods.
This year’s theme focuses on the critical role that testing plays in controlling and eventually ending the HIV/AIDS pandemic. HIV/AIDS continues to be a major global public health issue, having claimed millions of lives so far. Fortunately, significant progress has been made in HIV treatment and prevention. However, a crucial step in managing this challenge is early detection, and that’s where the ease and accessibility of oral HIV testing become vital.
According to the National Syndemic Diseases Control Council (NSDCC), an estimated 1.4 million people are living with HIV in Kenya[1], and approximately 50,000 new infections occur each year. This highlights the urgent need for increased HIV testing and awareness, particularly among high-risk populations.
OraQuick’s Oral HIV self-testing kit, involves the use of oral fluid which contains antibodies to test for a variety of infections, can be a more convenient and less intimidating option for some people than traditional blood-based testing. This is especially true in Kenya, where cultural stigma surrounding HIV testing can be a barrier to accessing care.
Knowing your HIV status is essential for both prevention and treatment. Early detection of HIV not only helps in starting treatment sooner but also reduces the risk of transmission to others.
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It empowers individuals to make informed decisions about their health and lifestyle. The stigmatisation on the fear of needles and pricking has made solutions like OraQuick much simpler for customers.
“Oral testing is a game-changer for HIV self-testing in Kenya, it is a painless and non-invasive way to test for HIV, and it can be done in the privacy of your own home. This makes it easier for people to get tested and learn their HIV status, especially those who may be hesitant to visit a healthcare facility,” said Dr .S.K.Arimi, CEO of Medionics Healthcare Ltd “We are proud to support World AIDS Day and the fight against HIV/AIDS in Kenya. We believe that everyone should have access to the information and resources they need to prevent HIV transmission and live a healthy life.”
The OraQuick oral HIV test kit is approved by the World Health Organization (WHO), affirming its reliability as a testing method for HIV. The WHO’s endorsement underscores the kit’s accuracy and effectiveness in detecting HIV, providing users with a trustworthy tool for testing.”
Advantages of Oral HIV Testing:
Oral HIV tests, which detect antibodies to HIV in the oral fluid, offer several benefits:
● Non-Invasive and Painless: Unlike traditional blood tests, oral swab tests are non-invasive requiring no blood drawn, making them more accessible to people who are afraid of needles.
● Convenience and Privacy: The tests can be self-administered at home, providing a level of convenience and privacy not typically associated with traditional testing methods.
● Quick and Reliable Results: These tests can provide results in as little as 20 minutes, and they are highly accurate when performed correctly.
● Encourages Regular Testing: The simplicity of the test encourages more people to get tested regularly, which is key in the fight against HIV/AIDS.
We encourage everyone to take the step of getting tested, not just for their health but for the health of their communities. Knowing your HIV status is a critical component of living a healthy, fulfilling life, and oral HIV tests provide an easy, comfortable way to achieve this.