P09.15 LB
Background: In 2011, the Namibia private sector began the sale of Over-the-Counter (OTC) HIV rapid test kits (RTK) for personal-use. By beginning 2012, volume of RTK sales increased within the general public. In Dec 2012, a team conducted a rapid survey of RTK for personal-use. The GRN has identified increased HIV Testing and Counseling (HTC) as an entry point into HIV care and treatment. Despite high HIV prevalence (13.4%), only 54% of Namibia's population has received HTC. While, RTK may offer a new strategy to HTC programs for implementing mixed HTC models, concern within GRN on unregulated sale and potential social harms of RTK remain.
Methods: The assessment was conducted over a month. Key informants (n = 68) included private-sector and GRN staff. A survey at 53/112 pharmacies (48%) throughout 6 regions in Namibia was administered to pharmacists. All of the pharmacies in 5 high prevalence regions were surveyed and a sample in Windhoek. Survey assessed attitudes, practices and approaches. 52/53 pharmacies participated and 36/52 reported current RTK sales.
Results: Analysis of RTK varied by pharmacy and geography. Some coastal city pharmacies reported 30 tests sold in the last month prior to the survey and southern areas reported lower sales (1–3 in same period). Price and location of tests differed (i.e. behind counter, controlled sales, on pharmacy floor) and influenced sales volume. Attitudes, practices and training of pharmacists varied and reflected poor regulation. Pharmacists (38%) reported having been trained in performing HIV RTK and 62% reported HTC training, ranging from pre-service to self-training. Stocking and supplying RTK varied with good lead time (i.e. 1 day in some locations), but little quality assurance, maintenance and proper storage. 4 different test kits were sold to the public.
Conclusions: Additional assessments of RTK in Namibia need to be conducted; including development of regulatory frameworks for RTK in Namibia and user acceptability, feasibility and quality of RTK.
