Health MEC launches HIV Self screening and testing Kit 

MEC for Health in Limpopo Dieketseng Mashego launched HIV Self screening and testing Kit in Tzaneen, Mopani District on Thursday.

The HIV self testing kit is a process where an individual voluntarily collects their specimen (oral fluid or blood), performs an HIV test, and interprets the result, often in a private setting. The goal is to improve HIV testing among individuals who may be under-tested or hard to reach.

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In 2024, a study by the Human Sciences Research Council revealed that Limpopo has one of the lowest HIV prevalence rates among the nine provinces, with the South African HIV Prevalence, Incidence and Behaviour Survey having indicated that 8.9% of people in the province were living with HIV in 2022.

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Mashego has encouraged health employees to set a good example by being the first people to utilise the kit so that they can better advise people of its importance.

“This Kit is revolutionary because it gives individuals the power and autonomy to understand their health status in privacy and comfort of their own homes. This can help reduce stigma and promote open conversations about HIV—conversations that have been long overdue,” said MEC Mashego.