WHO Establishes Guideline Group to Advance Multiplex Testing for HIV, Viral Hepatitis, and STIs

The World Health Organization (WHO) Department of Health is establishing a Guideline Development Group (GDG) tasked with conducting evidence-based meetings on multiplex testing—the simultaneous testing of multiple diseases. This group will develop key principles for combined testing and will review new evidence on HIV, viral hepatitis, and sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

Early and accurate testing is critical for the prevention and monitoring of these diseases, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. As health systems aim to provide integrated, person-centered services, multiplex testing has proven to be an effective approach to increase capacity, expand testing coverage, and deliver services at lower costs. This method uses a single sample and a single test or platform to detect multiple diseases simultaneously.

These guidelines will be the first to be based on new evidence and will outline approaches to implementing multiplex testing. While the focus is on HIV, viral hepatitis, and STIs, the guidelines will provide key principles for integrating services, improving public health, and guiding future multiplex testing initiatives.

The GDG will convene in virtual meetings, including a scheduled session on 4–5 November 2025. The purpose of these meetings is to provide advice to clinicians and private practitioners, establish key principles, and address issues related to service integration and efficient use of limited public health resources.

Through WHO guidelines, the GDG will include members from all WHO regions, participating in their personal capacities rather than as representatives of their institutions. GDG members are selected based on their expertise, roles as service users (e.g., program managers and clinicians), and representation of organizations engaged in the relevant diseases. GDG members will serve on a voluntary basis.

To ensure transparency and public participation, WHO invites individuals and organizations wishing to contribute to review the GDG members’ backgrounds and provide feedback. Comments can be submitted by email to hiv-aids@who.int no later than 29 September 2025. This input will help WHO develop credible guidelines that incorporate diverse perspectives and address the needs of communities worldwide.