GME Surpasses 700,000 Cumulative Mail-In HIV and Syphilis Tests, Expands Access via Municipal Partnerships for HIV Testing Week

GME Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Takasaki City, Gunma Prefecture; Representative: Yukio Owada) has announced that its cumulative mail-in testing for sexually transmitted diseases, specifically HIV and syphilis, has surpassed 700,000 cases. This milestone is based on data collected from July 2006 to December 2025. In conjunction with HIV Testing Week, which runs from June 1 to June 7, the company is also expanding testing opportunities by undertaking mail-in HIV and syphilis testing programs commissioned by multiple local governments.

While early detection and treatment of HIV are critical, the number of HIV tests conducted at public health centers in Japan during 2024 stood at 108,988, the sixth lowest level in the past 20 years. Meanwhile, reported cases of syphilis have consistently exceeded 10,000 annually since 2022. Expanding opportunities for STD testing has thus emerged as a pressing social issue. In response, GME has offered mail-in testing since its founding as a convenient alternative to visiting medical institutions or public health centers. The service is completed entirely remotely—from at-home sample collection to posting it in the mail and checking results online—which drastically reduces time and location constraints for busy individuals, remote residents, or night-shift workers. Furthermore, the anonymity and lower psychological barrier have effectively encouraged first-time testing. These advantages align perfectly with modern lifestyle trends that emphasize work-life balance, time efficiency, and contactless interactions, thereby continually broadening the user base and leading to the significant milestone of 700,000 tests.

Despite the overall declining trend in HIV tests conducted at health centers, GME’s mail-in tests continue to identify a certain number of positive cases, underscoring the service’s vital role in prompting early medical consultation and awareness. Recognizing that early detection and treatment are paramount for HIV, GME has consistently provided a highly accessible testing option for those who find face-to-face testing challenging. Beyond simply lowering the barrier to entry, GME employs multiple clinical laboratory technicians certified by the Japanese Society for Sexually Transmitted Diseases. This high level of expertise allows the company to handle inquiries internally and recommend direct medical visits whenever necessary. Operating seamlessly 365 days a year without holidays ensures minimal time lag in processing tests, which is a major strength of their service.

HIV Testing Week is a nationwide annual awareness campaign aimed at promoting and popularizing HIV testing. As part of this vital initiative, several local governments have begun offering mail-in test options alongside traditional health center visits to broaden access. During this campaign period, GME has successfully secured contracts with multiple municipalities across the country to process these mail-in tests. By discovering an HIV infection early and connecting the individual to appropriate treatment, the onset of AIDS can be effectively suppressed.

Looking ahead, as a specialized enterprise in mail-in testing, GME plans to continue expanding its broad array of healthcare services. In addition to STD testing, their portfolio includes tests for lifestyle diseases, female hormones, cancer tumor markers, and allergies. By proactively providing accessible testing environments for both individual consumers and corporate clients, GME aims to facilitate early detection, bridge the gap to appropriate medical care, and robustly contribute to the realization of a self-medication society where people can easily understand their current health status.