title: Point-of-care HIV tests done by peers, Brazil.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Early diagnosis of infections with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is needed - especially among key populations such as sex workers, transgender people, men who have sex with men and people who use drugs.
  
  
  METHODS
  The Brazilian Ministry of Health developed a strategy called Viva Melhor Sabendo ("live better knowing") to increase HIV testing among key populations. In partnership with nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), a peer point-of-care testing intervention, using an oral fluid rapid test, was introduced at social venues for key populations at different times of the day.
  
  
  METHODS
  Key populations in Brazil can have 40 times higher HIV prevalence than the general population (14.8% versus 0.4%).
  
  
  RESULTS
  Legislation was reinterpreted, so that oral fluid rapid tests could be administered by any person trained in rapid testing by the health ministry. Between January 2014 and March 2015, 29 723 oral fluid tests were administered; 791 (2.7%) were positive. Among the key populations, transgender people had the greatest proportion of positive results (10.7%; 172/1612), followed by men who declared themselves as commercial sex workers (8.7%; 165/1889) and men who have sex with men (4.8%; 292/6055).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The strategy improved access to HIV testing. Testing done by peers at times and locations suitable for key populations increased acceptance of testing. Working with relevant NGOs is a useful approach when reaching out to these key populations.
authors: STI, AIDS and Viral Hepatitis Department, Health Surveillance Secretariat, Ministry of Health, Setor Administrativo Federal Sul (SAFS) 02 - Bloco F - Ed. Premium Torre I, Sala 4, 70.070-600, Brasília, DF, Brazil .
authors: Ana Roberta Pati
authors: AR
authors: Pascom
authors: STI, AIDS and Viral Hepatitis Department, Health Surveillance Secretariat, Ministry of Health, Setor Administrativo Federal Sul (SAFS) 02 - Bloco F - Ed. Premium Torre I, Sala 4, 70.070-600, Brasília, DF, Brazil .
authors: Clarissa Habckost
authors: CH
authors: Dutra de Barros
authors: STI, AIDS and Viral Hepatitis Department, Health Surveillance Secretariat, Ministry of Health, Setor Administrativo Federal Sul (SAFS) 02 - Bloco F - Ed. Premium Torre I, Sala 4, 70.070-600, Brasília, DF, Brazil .
authors: Tainah Dourado de Miranda
authors: TD
authors: Lobo
authors: STI, AIDS and Viral Hepatitis Department, Health Surveillance Secretariat, Ministry of Health, Setor Administrativo Federal Sul (SAFS) 02 - Bloco F - Ed. Premium Torre I, Sala 4, 70.070-600, Brasília, DF, Brazil .
authors: Elisiane Nelcina
authors: EN
authors: Pasini
authors: STI, AIDS and Viral Hepatitis Department, Health Surveillance Secretariat, Ministry of Health, Setor Administrativo Federal Sul (SAFS) 02 - Bloco F - Ed. Premium Torre I, Sala 4, 70.070-600, Brasília, DF, Brazil .
authors: Regina Aparecida
authors: RA
authors: Comparini
authors: STI, AIDS and Viral Hepatitis Department, Health Surveillance Secretariat, Ministry of Health, Setor Administrativo Federal Sul (SAFS) 02 - Bloco F - Ed. Premium Torre I, Sala 4, 70.070-600, Brasília, DF, Brazil .
authors: Fábio
authors: F
authors: Caldas de Mesquita
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001938:Brazil; D042241:Early Diagnosis; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000175:diagnosis*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010379:Peer Group; D000067716:Point-of-Care Testing; D055815:Young Adult