Paradigm Shift in HIV Testing; Getting Along or Getting Behind?

Abstract

In the last twenty five years, the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), the causative organism of the Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) has assumed a frontline position worldwide in health discourse. In the early days of the characterization of the clinical spectrum caused by infection with this virus, screening was an exception rather than the rule. This article reviews the landmarks attained till date in the all important issue of screening for HIV and concludes that Nigeria can not afford to be left behind in the major policy issue changes currently occupying the front burner globally.

Keywords: HIV testing; exceptionalism; universal testing.

Nigerian Medical Journal Vol. 48 (2) 2007: pp. 39-41