GlobalData highlights importance of increased accessibility to tests on National HIV Testing Day

National HIV Testing Day is observed on June 27 every year to recognise and address the ongoing disparities related to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. This day serves as a powerful reminder of the ongoing battle against HIV and the importance of awareness, education, and support for those affected. Routine HIV testing and increased accessibility to tests have acquired importance in the fight against HIV, says GlobalData.

Testing plays a pivotal role in ending the HIV epidemic, making it a central theme for this year’s World AIDS Day. The COVID-19 pandemic initially slowed HIV testing rates as public health focused on COVID-19 testing, but recent trends indicate a resilient comeback. Public health initiatives, increased awareness, and accessible testing facilities contribute to this positive shift.

According to the GlobalData HIV Tests SKU Tracker, an estimated 18.6 million tests were sold to hospitals in the US in 2020 during the peak of the pandemic and in 2022, we saw it recover to 22.9 million tests.

Selena Yu, senior medical analyst, at GlobalData, states, “GlobalData expects this trend to be seen in 2023 and into 2024 as well. On a global level, there has been a hard push by the World Health Organisation (WHO) to decrease HIV prevalence. This starts with a reduction of spread, which highlights the importance of frequent HIV testing, especially for higher risk individuals.”

According to GlobalData’s report “Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Tests 2015-2033”, the global HIV test market value increased by 1.86 per cent from 2015-2023, from $1.37 billion to $1.59 billion. It is forecast to reach over $2 billion by 2033. Roche holds the largest market share globally at 14.6 per cent, Abbott comes in second with 11.9 per cent, and Siemens Healthineers is third with 9.2 per cent.

Yu concludes, “The HIV test market continues to evolve as self-testing becomes a popular option. Despite recent campaigns aimed to destigmatise HIV/AIDS, at-risk individuals still feel uncomfortable getting tested. Positive test results will require a follow-up with further testing by a healthcare professional. An important player in HIV self-testing is Oraquick, a subsidiary of Orasure, as it’s the only FDA-approved rapid HIV self-test currently available in the US market. Having private testing options may incentivise at-risk individuals to test more frequently.”