Abstract

Emmanuel Ifeanyi Obeagu* and Chukwuma J. Okafor

ABSTRACT

HIV remains a global health challenge, with early detection playing a critical role in effective treatment and prevention. However, barriers to HIV testing, including affordability, accessibility, awareness, confidentiality, and the lack of technological innovation, continue to hinder widespread screening efforts. This review explores these key barriers and examines strategies to reduce them, aiming to make HIV testing more affordable, accessible, and widely accepted. Addressing affordability requires the implementation of government subsidies, insurance coverage for routine testing, and the promotion of low-cost rapid testing kits. Accessibility can be improved by utilizing mobile testing units, integrating HIV testing into routine healthcare services, and providing employer-based testing programs. Raising awareness through public health campaigns, educational programs, and peer education is essential in dispelling misconceptions and encouraging individuals to seek testing.