Why is testing critical to HIV prevention efforts?
HIV testing is critical to any comprehensive HIV prevention program. An estimated quarter of a million people who are infected with HIV dont know they are infected. Research shows that when people learn they are infected with HIV, they take steps to protect their health and the health of their partners. Additionally, the earlier a person is diagnosed, the sooner he or she can access medical care and other prevention services to further prevent transmission and disease progression. • What can providers do to increase HIV testing? All health-care settings should adopt the 2006 CDC testing recommendations and routinely screen all patients age 13-64 years for HIV.
