Challenges

• An estimated 850,000–950,000 persons in the United States are living with HIV. Of these, 180,000–280,000 do not know they are infected.
• Of new cases, a disproportionate number are in persons who do not know they are infected.
• Each year at publicly funded testing sites, 27,000–30,000 HIV test results are positive.
• Of those who test positive at CDC-funded public testing sites, 31% do not return for their results.

Accomplishments

• 21 funding awards in fiscal year 2003 to health departments and community-based organizations (CBOs) for demonstration projects to create models for
  • using rapid testing in clinical settings (4 health departments)
  • partner counseling and referral services (6 health departments)
  • short-stay correctional facilities (4 health departments)
  • outreach testing in non-clinical settings (7 CBOs)
• 20 CDC 3-day training courses on rapid HIV testing beginning in 2003 and going into early 2004 and an additional 20 courses plus 4 train-the-trainer courses scheduled for 2004 into 2005
• 500,000 rapid HIV test kits purchased at reduced rates and distributed to state health departments and CBO grantees by the end of 2004
• Emphasis in select 2004 program announcements on the importance of, and CDC support for, incorporating rapid HIV testing into programs and training
• Publication of Quality Assurance Guidelines for Testing Using the OraQuick^® Rapid HIV-1 Antibody Test in consultation with private and public partners and Rapid HIV-1 Antibody Testing during Labor and Delivery for Women of Unknown HIV Status: A Practical Guide and Model Protocol
• 4 articles on rapid HIV testing: 3 in CDC’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report and 1 in the peer-reviewed journal AIDS
• Surveillance in 14 health departments to monitor rapid HIV antibody test implementation and client acceptability

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