Mobile Voluntary Counselling and Testing Services.

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Voluntary Counseling and Testing (VCT) is the process by which an individual voluntarily undergoes confidential counselling to enable him/her to make an informed choice about learning of his/her HIV status and to take appropriate actions.

  Geographic areas: Western region (STMA)

• VCT is a cost-effective intervention for changing HIV risk behaviors.
• VCT is also an important entry point to other HIV/AIDS services especially when integrated into existing sexual and reproductive health (SRH) sites, and it can play a role in addressing stigma and discrimination.
• Integrating VCT in SRH sites presents various opportunities. These include making it easier for some clients to use VCT services; reducing costs; and reaching out to groups such as young people and men.

• Integrated VCT services will be most effective within a supportive community environment and alongside a range of both medical and social care and support services.
• Taking time to assess community needs and capacity, analysing strategic, operational and management issues related to integration, and understanding the policy context, are all important in planning appropriate services that will be accepted and used.

• Planners should become familiar with the national policy on VCT and/or HIV testing and build partnerships with others involved in HIV/AIDS prevention and care services in the community to enable referral to other providers.
• They should also determine which care and support services will be offered at the site and ensure capacity building of existing staff.

• VCT services should be promoted in the community, using media and traditional channels of communication.
• High-quality services should be delivered by guaranteeing confidentiality and short waiting times as well as ensuring that staff delivering services are well trained, well supported and motivated in their work.