March 2022 LabCoP ECHO Session: Generating demand for HIV viral load testing through targeted communications campaigns


March 14, 2022

LabCoP’s March 2022 ECHO session focused on generating demand for HIV viral load (VL) testing through targeted communications campaigns. For people living with HIV and on antiretroviral treatment, taking a VL test is essential in monitoring if the treatment is working. The World Health Organization recommends at least one annual VL test. Yet, knowledge around the importance of VL tests, as well as test uptake, remains low. Building on a previous pilot implementation phase, select country teams rolled out tailored multimedia campaigns to raise awareness around routine viral load testing among communities of people living with HIV. Three country teams volunteered to share their campaign conduct, results and key lessons learned. Presenters included Pontsho Pilane, a Communications Consultant, ITPC, South Africa; Tonderai Mwareka, Program Officer, ZNNP+, Zimbabwe; Carolyn Kassam, Program Director, MANERELA+, Malawi; and Victoria Zindo, Program Officer, NEPWU, South Sudan. Please follow the links here to view the recorded ECHO session and download presentation slides.