Same-Day Test Results Boost Enrollment in HIV Services

SEPTEMBER 2006 — HIV testing corners at clinics in five provinces of Zambia now offer same-day test results. This has led to a significant increase in the number of clients returning for their HIV test results and enrolling to receive HIV services in rural areas—key to prevention, care and treatment.

With FHI's support, The Zambia Prevention, Care and Treatment (ZPCT) Partnership began establishing testing corners in May 2005 because many clients did not return for their HIV test results. Located in rooms where counseling and prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV are also offered, testing corners are equipped with test kits, disposable equipment, and a hand-washing station. Trained counselors test for HIV and supervisory lab technicians control for quality.

Within one month of offering same-day HIV test results, the number of clients who collected their test results jumped from 79 to 92 percent. That figure has since risen to 95 percent. In addition, the rapid testing initiative reduces the burden on lab technicians, freeing them to focus on care and treatment. 

ZPCT Partnership is working with the Government of Zambia's Ministry of Health, the provincial health offices and the District Health Management Team to expand HIV- and AIDS-related services in five predominantly rural provinces of Zambia—Central, Copperbelt, Luapula, Northern and North-Western.

Dr. Kwasi Torpey, ZPCT director of technical support, affirms that, "In order to maximize the benefits of counseling and testing as a preventive strategy and an entry point to care, HIV test results must be provided the same day clients are tested."

PHOTO: Dr. Kwasi Torpey discusses the positive impact of the testing corner with a staff member at Senama Urban Clinic in Mansa, Luapula Province. (Deusdedit Mwale)