Renewing HIV Prevention: Solutions for Today’s Challenges

unveil new testing centers. The number of persons undergoing voluntary counseling
and testing have since increased by nearly 300 percent, from 3,782 clients served in
2000 to 13,729 in 2001. Abstract MoPeF3994, "Social marketing: a strategy for
creating acceptability and increasing utilization of voluntary HIV counseling
and testing services in Botswana," Oral Presentation, Monday, 8 July 2002,
14:00 (8:00 AM EDT); Abstract MoPeG4283, "Involving political leadership to
establish and enhance acceptance of voluntary HIV counseling and testing
(VCT) networks, Botswana," Poster, Monday, 8 July 2002, 8:00 (2:00 AM EDT)
SKenya. By moving HIV testing into the community, a pilot program in the Nairobi
area of Kibera has greatly increased utilization of voluntary testing and counseling,
which has traditionally been offered in a limited range of clinical settings. Since
March 2001, counselors have offered pre- and post-test counseling and rapid, whole
blood HIV tests in non-traditional sites including churches, a youth center, and a
chiefs compound. Clients receive confirmed test results within 20 minutes, and are
shown their own test strips, which increases their confidence in the reliability of
results. All clients receive prevention counseling, as well as follow-up care and
support for those who are HIV positive. Use of the program has increased rapidly,
from 76 clients in March to more than 1,000 per month from July to December.
Abstract MoOrF1077, "Rapid increase in utilization of voluntary counseling
and testing through a community-based model in Kibera slum, Nairobi,
Kenya," Oral Presentation, Monday, 8 July 2002, 14:00 (8:00 AM EDT)

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