26 November 2023

In a joint effort to strengthen the nation's HIV testing capabilities, UNFPA Iran has successfully procured 100,000 HIV diagnosis kits. These kits are set to be distributed across the country, with 40 counseling centers for women at most risk of HIV and 226 Voluntary Counseling and Testing (VCT) centers being the institutions that support primary beneficiaries. This strategic move is poised to empower these centers to expand voluntary testing services, focusing on individuals exhibiting risky behaviors and those at the highest risk of HIV.

What makes this initiative even more impactful is the collaboration with Center for Communicable Diseases Control of Iran’s Ministry of Health and Medical Education (MoHME), which will oversee the nationwide distribution and usage of the diagnosis kits. This partnership underscores a unified commitment to enhancing public health outcomes by increasing access to HIV testing services.

The inclusion of women centers is particularly noteworthy, as these centers serve as vital hubs for providing comprehensive healthcare services to women throughout the country. By equipping them with advanced diagnosis kits, UNFPA aims to contribute significantly to the early detection and management of HIV cases among women.

Simultaneously, the initiative extends to VCT centers, emphasizing the importance of voluntary testing in identifying and addressing HIV cases promptly. The distributed kits will capacitate these centers to play an active role in increasing testing rates among the general population, particularly those with risky behaviors and individuals most at risk of HIV.

Iran's Ministry of Health and Medical Education will spearhead the distribution efforts, ensuring the widespread availability of these diagnosis kits. This collaborative endeavor aligns with the broader mission of both UNFPA and MoHME to enhance the nation's health infrastructure and contribute to the prevention and management of HIV/AIDS.