The number of new HIV cases among men who have sex with men (MSM) has risen significantly in recent years. Last week, USAID’s Sustainable HIV Response from Technical Assistance activity partnered with the governments of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to promote HIV self-testing services for this group.

The effort offers MSM a convenient and discrete method to determine their HIV status, which differs from other self-testing options by allowing clients to order HIV test kits shipped to their homes, followed by online counseling to interpret test results, and determine next steps. Well-trained virtual counselors provide support via online tools, phone or in person to those with reactive tests confirm their diagnosis and rapidly enroll in treatment. As a result, a broader array of MSM can access HIV testing services, including those reluctant to visit health facilities due to stigma issues.

So what? This USAID support enables the country’s two largest cities to expand HIV testing options and thereby increase the number of MSM who know their HIV status, can enroll in treatment, and become less infectious, thus helping control transmission.