From testing to comprehensive care: a good practice in sexual health guided by a Primary Health Care strategy

Una buena práctica de salud sexual desde la estrategia de Atención Primaria de la Salud en el Hospital Mariano y Luciano de La Vega de Moreno, Argentina (2021-2026)

Abstract

Timely diagnosis of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections is a key public health strategy; however, its potential may be limited when testing is offered as an isolated procedure. This paper documents a good practice developed by the Programmatic Area and Health Networks Service of Mariano y Luciano de la Vega Hospital, Moreno, Buenos Aires Province, Argentina. The rapid testing service began in September 2021 in connection with voluntary and legal termination of pregnancy care, in a health-care context still shaped by the COVID-19 pandemic, and was moved to the hospital's main hall in early 2022 as a walk-in service to improve accessibility. The greater diversity of users prompted a transformation of counselling: in addition to HIV, syphilis and safer sexual practices, listening was broadened to include other health needs and barriers to access. This revealed needs related to other sexually transmitted infections, noncommunicable chronic diseases, mental health, violence, access to medication, and barriers to entering or remaining in care pathways. Responding to these needs required stronger coordination with Infectious Diseases, Laboratory, General Medicine, Nursing, Social Work, gender-based violence teams and other services, and contributed to the development of a sexual health clinic linked to the testing service. Access was also expanded through networks with community institutions and organizations. The experience suggests that the value of rapid testing lies not only in expanding diagnosis but also in its potential to become an entry point to comprehensive, accessible, coordinated and person-centred care.