Linkage to Care

These linkage approaches helped men who tested positive reach confirmatory testing, clinics, ART initiation, and ongoing care. SMS-based peer navigation in South Africa and Nigeria increased linkage to care and reduced time to ART initiation. Linkage after HIV self-testing remained inconsistent without active peer navigation or health-system follow-up. Testing in private or community settings did not always lead to confirmatory testing, ART initiation, or long-term retention. Peer-driven linkage strategies included peer navigation, SMS support, community-based follow-up, and structured programmes.