Counseling and Testing for HIV

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Counseling and testing (CT) is one of the most rapidly expanding HIV program services in the world. Propelling the increased demand is the recognition of CT's role in both preventing new HIV infections and increasing access to care and treatment (including antiretroviral therapy). Family Health International has supported CT since 1997 with tools, strategies, and technical documents; technical assistance; and program implementation. In more than 25 countries, FHI's current CT programs support in-country counterparts and communities, including people living with HIV or AIDS, to develop culturally appropriate and client-centered services.

FHI was at forefront of demonstrating the effectiveness of CT, working with local governments and NGOs to establish and expand services, and providing global guidance on how to tailor services in different settings for different objectives. Regardless of the model or approach, FHI believes CT services must be provided within a human rights framework and that the right to refuse testing is central to all HIV policies and programs.

FHI supports CT programs by

• Assisting countries to develop or revise national CT policies and guidelines
• Developing training materials for counselors and laboratory technicians
• Training staff
• Designing and implementing services and communication strategies
• Developing and implementing quality assurance and quality improvement systems
• Improving commodity and supplies management
• Monitoring and evaluating services
• Scaling up services
• Developing community support systems and creating linkages with other services
• Providing guidance for forming post-test clubs
• Developing strategies for care for counselors

Related FHI Resources

Integrating Family Planning Services into Voluntary Counseling and Testing Centers in Kenya: Operations Research Results (2007)

HIV Counseling and Testing for Youth: A Handbook for Providers (2007)

VCT Toolkit Trainer's Manual: Counseling Supervision and Training (2005)

Other Resources

CDC Couples HIV Counseling and Testing Intervention

World Health Organization HIV Counseling and Testing

WHO Rapid HIV Tests: Guidelines for Use in HIV Testing and Counseling Services in Resource-Constrained Settings (2004, PDF, 381 KB)

UNAIDS/WHO Policy Statement on HIV Testing (2004, PDF, 107 KB)

CSIS- Expanded HIV Testing: Critical Gateway to HIV Treatment and Prevention Requires Major Resources, Effective Protections (2005, PDF, 165 KB)

PSI- Working Towards Universal Access to HIV Counseling and Testing: Results of an international workshop on HIV counseling and testing (2008)

USAID HIV Test Kits- The Supply Chain Management System: Providing Quality Medicines for People Living with and Affected by HIV/AIDS (2008)

RPM Plus HIV Test Kits Procurement Information