Mada za sehemu hiiHiv, Aids And StisMada 4
- Concepts of HIV / AIDS and others STIs
- Relationship Between HIV, AIDS and STIs
- Management and Control of HIV/AIDS and STIs
- Counseling and Voluntary Testing (CVT)
A process is undertaken when a person wants to find out if they are infected with HIV. A person who thinks they might have HIV decides on their own whether they want to have the test done. If the individual decides to go ahead with the testing, they will have the opportunity to discuss the test with a trained counselor.
Voluntary Counseling and Testing (VCT) for HIV is an efficient internationally recognized approach for people to find out their HIV status at VCT centers. It has become one of the most effective and popular ways of diagnosing people who may have been exposed to the virus or who have been infected.
VCT is an important tool for preventing the spread of HIV especially in communities where the epidemic is widespread. It allows adolescents to find out their own HIV status in order to evaluate their behavior and its consequences.
VCT clinics usually have 45 minutes counseling sessions that provide information about HIV and AIDS and the testing process. VCT provides a confidential and non-judgmental environment for people who want to know their HIV status.
Voluntary counseling and test involve pre testing counseling and post testing counseling.
Pre testing counseling is done in advance before HIV test
Post testing counseling is done after HIV test if it is positive.
A session of pretest counseling where questions about HIV /AIDS and the test are discussed and answered by a counselor. The counselor will help the individual determine whether testing is appropriate given the information that is shared with them about the reasons the individual wanted to be tested.
After making their assessment, if the counselor deems it appropriate for the person to take the test they should
- Describe the test and how it is performed
- Explain AIDS and the way HIV infection is spread
- Discuss ways to prevent the spread of HIV
- Explain the confidentiality of the test results
- Discuss the meaning of the possible test result
- Ask what impact you think the results of the test will have on you
- Discuss whom you might tell your results to
- Discuss the importance of telling your sex and/or drug-using partner(s) if the results come back positive
they must sign a consent form before the test can be administered. Informed consent is a crucial part of the VCT process and it is important that the individual is aware of their right to refuse any medical procedure, to be informed about it, and to agree to it. There is a statement, which they should be asked to read beforehand stating that they have been informed about the HIV antibody testing procedure, that they understand and have given their consent to have the test performed.
has been done the counselor gives the results to the person in the post-test counseling session (it usually takes around fifteen to twenty minutes after the test has been administered for the results to come back). If they are found to be HIV –positive.
- Anyone who has been exposed to the risk of sexual behavior.
- Anyone who is seriously considering changing his / her sexual partner.
- Anyone who is diagonalized with sexually transmitted infections.
- Anyone who has had/has more than one sexual partner.
- People who are sharing sharp instruments.
- Commercial sex workers.
- Refugees and migrant workers.
- Anyone who wishes to find out his /her sexual partner.
- It is a way to find out about HIV and AIDS status so that a person can plan.
- It is an effective way of preventing HIV and AIDS because it promotes sexual behavior change and helps people to make wise decisions.
- It is a means of HIV and AIDS treatment and care.
- It helps people to get useful and right information about HIV and AIDS.
- It provides psychological support for people living with HIV and AIDS thus helping them to lead a normal life.
- It helps the government in planning for care and treatment by knowing the number of infected people.
- Testing negative is a strong motivation for one to reduce sexual behavior.
- Testing positive gives one an opportunity to find out how he / she can live longer and a more productive life.
- It gives confidence to the people that are planning marriage or pregnancy.
- It helps to prevent mother to child transmission.
- Some of the barriers to VCT for young people include limited availability, legal issues and accessibility of VCT services.
- Waiting times and costs.
- Pressure by health staff to notify partners.
- Worries about confidentiality and fear that the results of HIV tests would be shared with partner(s) and/or parent(s) without their consent.
- Fear of being stigmatized and labeled by their friends, families and communities.
- Inadequate prevention, care and support from health care providers (i.e. councilors, doctors, nurses etc.) to effectively meet the needs of youth.
- Counseling and testing must be truly voluntary.
- The counselor should cross check code numbers on all forms against the client codes.
- The results should be provided to a person in person to ensure that the correct person receives the results this also helps to maintain confidentiality.
- The counselor should ensure the person has enough understanding of the results.
- When the client is negative the counselor should provide information on how to remain negative
- It is better to provide pre testing counseling and guiding.
- Unless it is very necessary result should not be provided in written form.
- The results should not be given if the client is not ready to accept them.
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