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Universal HIV/Aids tests - latest study
Aids awareness
Universal HIV/Aids tests could virtually eliminate transmission, according to new study
"It would see HIV testing become as commonplace as regular check ups on high blood pressure and cholesterol"
A Lancet study has found that universal testing for HIV, followed by immediate treatment could reduce the number of people developing Aids by up to 95%
The World Health Organisation claims that this approach to the virus would not only reduce the stigma attached to testing and treatment of the virus, but could virtually eliminate transmission of HIV.
The Lancet test used computer modelling to predict what changes and infection rates would occur if everybody over the age of 15 was tested every year.
It would see HIV testing become as commonplace as regular check ups on high blood pressure and cholesterol. However, the weak health care system means that this form of universal testing is simply not feasible.
Dr Geoffrey Garnett, from Imperial College London, said in a commentary piece for The Lancet:
"At its best, the strategy would prevent morbidity and mortality for the population, both through better treatment of the individual and reduced spread of HIV."
Currently around three million people are receiving anti-retrovirals for HIV and Aids, but a further 6.7 million people need them.
