In the September edition of Snapshots from the Field, Family Health International (FHI) examines the lessons learned in improving voluntary counseling and testing (VCT) services in Nigeria.

With plans to have 22 VCT sites operating in Nigeria during 2004 - up from just 2 original sites in 1993 - FHI's IMPACT Project gathered lessons learned by asking staff at each of the original sites to share observations about the challenges and successes they have experienced over the years. Clients were also asked how services could be improved.

Improving Counseling and Testing Services in Nigeria: Lessons Learned documents the results of those discussions. And what was found offers practical advice for VCT programs around the globe in many program areas, including:

• Increasing community awareness and demand
• Overcoming fear and stigma
• Refining the messages
• Strengthening referral networks
• Building a strong, confident staff