Qualitative Study of Healthcare Providers and Test Recipients on Progress and Implementation Gaps in HIV Testing Strategies - Five Regions, China, November 2023-July 2024.

WHAT IS ALREADY KNOWN ABOUT THIS TOPIC?: China has substantially expanded human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) testing services and diversified testing approaches. However, delayed HIV diagnosis remains common, and evidence regarding implementation gaps is still limited.

WHAT IS ADDED BY THIS REPORT?: Interviews with healthcare providers and HIV test recipients identified progress in regionally adapted testing models, persistent gaps between testing expansion and timely diagnosis, and multilevel factors influencing HIV self-initiated testing uptake.

WHAT ARE THE IMPLICATIONS FOR PUBLIC HEALTH PRACTICE?: Targeted testing strategies, stigma reduction, stronger linkage-to-care systems, and improved cross-sector coordination are needed to improve early HIV diagnosis and strengthen linkage to care.