Social Impact
Investing in bioLytical Laboratories means supporting a company making a difference in global health. Our tests are used in 60+ countries and we're expanding.
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Investing in bioLytical Laboratories means supporting a company making a difference in global health. Our tests are used in 60+ countries and we're expanding.
HIV has had a devastating impact on Africa, where it is estimated that over 25 million people are living with the virus. While there is significant progress in the fight to end HIV as a public health threat, there is much work yet to do.
HIV testing plays a critical role in reducing the spread of the virus, improving access to treatment, and reducing stigma and discrimination. A 2020 study in sub-Saharan Africa showed that 84% of people were aware of their HIV status, a tremendous increase from 5.7% in 2000.
In Africa, among the most impacted groups are young women and children, including mothers. HIV testing has been a critical tool in preventing mother-to-child transmission of the virus. WHO estimates that globally, an estimated 1.3 million women and girls living with HIV become pregnant each year. In the absence of intervention, the rate of transmission of HIV from a mother living with HIV to her child during pregnancy, labour, delivery, or breastfeeding ranges from 15% to 45%.
Testing allows individuals to know their status, take appropriate action to protect themselves and their partners, and connect to care and treatment. In many countries, HIV is still associated with shame and fear, and many individuals are afraid to get tested for fear of being ostracized or facing discrimination. Confidential testing, including self-testing, helps reduce these fears and provides a safe and supportive environment for individuals to get tested. Meeting people where they are can help budge the needle and improve testing access across Africa.
While HIV affects people globally across all walks of life, the epidemic disproportionately impacts members of the LGBTQ+ community. At the peak of the AIDS epidemic, those in the gay communities saw the virus shape their lives. The initial response to HIV/AIDS was often fueled by discrimination and stigma, leading to further deaths. The lack of knowledge, research, and early effective treatments contributed to increased stigma, where the disease was focused as one mainly impacting the LGBTQ+ communities.
While rates of HIV diagnoses amount gay and bisexual men decreased by 9% overall from 2015-2019 in the US, they accounted for 69% of all new HIV diagnoses in 2019 (CDC), shouldering a disproportionate burden of the disease in our communities. Testing can help play a role in reducing onward transmission and ending HIV as a public health threat. And while progress varies by region, promising trends are showcasing the positive impact of testing on lowering HIV rates in the LGBTQ+ communities.