Introducing HIV self-testing in Latvia – pilot for key groups

Latvia is among the European Union (EU) countries where HIV prevalence remains very high (around 3 cases per 1000 people). In 2020, the number of newly registered HIV cases in Latvia was 13.5 per 100 000 people, the second highest in the EU and 4.1 times the average. Heterosexual sexual contact is the most common route of HIV infection, accounting for 63% of all registered cases with a known route of transmission. Injection drug use accounts for 24% of HIV infections, while 11% of infections are among men who have sex with men. Approximately 30% of HIV cases in Latvia are undiagnosed.

These data are logically linked to the fact that Latvia has one of the lowest HIV testing rates in the EU. It should be underlined that due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of tests in 2020 has decreased by 6% (compared to 2019).

To foster the introduction of a new HIV testing method in Latvia, it is important to identify factors that could influence the future implementation of the strategy. It is important to investigate the feasibility (with an emphasis on acceptability) of the new method, HIV self-testing, among socially vulnerable populations.

The project is implemented by the Rīga Stradiņš University Institute of Public Health.

The project is funded by the WEEPI Foundation (The Western-Eastern European Partnership Initiative on HIV, Viral Hepatitis and TB).