In 2016, it was estimated that 86% of PLHIV in South Africa knew their status, but this was lower for men (79%) and
young people aged 15-24 years (65%). The KwaZulu-Natal province has the country’s highest HIV prevalence and
incidence. In the area around the provincial town of Eshowe, previously effective strategies, such as community-based
outreach, including door-to-door testing, had less than a 1% yield. Efforts to reach men were needed to close the testing gap.
In a pilot project supported by an NGO, fixed HIV testing sites in settings where men spend time, such as taxi ranks,
were established and staffed by all-male providers to reach men with HIV testing, as well as other important health
services, including non-communicable disease (NCD), TB and STI screening. These sites are located near clinics where
treatment and VMMC were available, so referrals could be made quickly. Here, it was convenient for men to link and
initiate follow-up services the same day. Workplace testing at a farm was established through a formal relationship with the local farm owners’ associations. HIV testing was managed by a mobilizer and counsellor who promote and offer HIV testing to men working on the farm. The mobilizer and counsellor also encourage men who test to bring female partners and their families to test.