Just LILA Community-Based HIV Services Pilot Project

This case study outlines the Just LILA pilot project, designed and implemented by Fondazione LILA Milano to enhance awareness and accessibility of HIV self-testing in Italy. The project aimed to address low testing uptake among populations not utilizing traditional testing services by providing free self-test kits directly to homes, supported by remote counseling. The initiative included several phases: a promotional campaign to raise awareness, digital outreach on social media platforms, meticulous service implementation, and a monitoring and evaluation process to assess success metrics. An external evaluation aimed to determine the project's overall impact on increasing HIV testing rates. Results indicated that the project successfully increased testing uptake, particularly among young adults and individuals hesitant to access traditional services. The findings suggest that confidentiality and ease of use were pivotal in driving success, with implications for future HIV testing strategies. The case study also discusses the importance of continued funding and collaboration for sustainability.