CD4 TESTING

One third of people starting HIV treatment have severely weakened immune systems, putting them at risk of opportunistic disease and death. In sub-Saharan Africa, around 10 percent of those starting HIV treatment will die within three months.

Unitaid, working with the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI), is making a portable test available that can quickly detect whether a person has advanced HIV disease by measuring CD4 cells in the bloodstream. The test, developed by Omega Diagnostics, will be delivered in more than 130 countries for less than US$4, the lowest price anywhere for such a device.

Making the test widely available is vital for countries to provide the best possible treatment for people with advanced HIV disease before they fall dangerously ill. The test can be used in remote places, which are hard to reach with complex diagnostic tools. It is part of a raft of investments by Unitaid to increase access to HIV treatment.

At a time when COVID-19 is putting severe pressure on HIV programs, tackling advanced HIV disease could prevent many preventable HIV-related deaths.