Published by: World Health Organization
WHO’s basic overview to HIV/AIDS testing and counseling, including a definition, rationale, procedures, human resource and infrastructure demands, and costing information.
VCT, or voluntary counseling and testing, refers to the process of giving people professional counseling before and after the HIV test. The process helps people prepare for and understand their test results. Those who test negative can learn ways to avoid becoming infected, and those who are positive can learn how to live longer, healthier lives and prevent transmission to others. In this way, VCT offers an important entry point to early prevention, care, and support.
The materials on this page are intended for a variety of audiences, especially those who are involved in the set-up and provision of VCT services. However, those who want to know more about VCT will also find helpful information here.
If your organization has produced materials for VCT purposes, we are happy to include them in digitized form on our web site. Please let us know if you have anything to contribute.
Materials are organized by their purpose:
Scientific Study Results, Conference Proceedings, & Commentary
Brochures and posters the ARC has recently produced to promote VCT
VCT Centers in Ethiopia by Region
Testing
and Counselling [fact sheet]
Published by: World Health Organization
WHO’s basic overview to HIV/AIDS testing and counseling, including a definition,
rationale, procedures, human resource and infrastructure demands, and costing
information.
Voluntary
HIV Counselling and Testing [manual] 
Published by: World Health Organization
This WHO Manual for Training of Trainers contains essential information for
training HIV/AIDS counsellors and is intended for use as a resource by those
conducting such training. It is also designed as a reference book and provides
information to help build the skills and expand the scope of those who already
provide HIV/AIDS counselling. It was prepared on behalf of the World Health
Organization (Regional Office for South-East Asia), by the Albion Street Centre,
International Health Services Unit, Sydney, Australia, and other experts from
the South-East Asia Region.
Voluntary Counselling and Testing [report]
Published by: UNAIDS
This technical update, published in May 2000, is a fairly thorough examination
of most of the issues, challenges and solutions related to VCT.
Voluntary
Counseling and Testing for HIV [fact sheet]
Published by: Family Health International (FHI)
Presents rationale for VCT and lessons learned from multi-country implementation of VCT services.
The Impact of Voluntary Counselling and Testing: A Global Review of the Benefits and Challenges [report]
Published by: UNAIDS
This fairly technical review of VCT by UNAIDS addresses strategies and applications for specific population sub-groups, as well as potential events at each stage of the VCT process. Incorporates a fairly extensive scientific literature review on VCT efficacy and outcomes.
Get the Advantage of Knowing
(Efoy!) - Women [poster]
Get the Advantage of Knowing (Efoy!) - Men [poster]
Produced by: AIDS Resource Center, Ethiopia
This poster series encourages young Ethiopian men and women ages 18-35 to get tested for HIV. The women’s poster says, “Ye HIV/AIDS mirmera madrege lenneam lelejem tekemegn.” (I, and any children I might have, have benefited from my being tested for HIV/AIDS. Phew!) The men’s poster says, “Ye HIV/AIDS mirmera madrege tekemegn.” (I’ve benefited from being tested for HIV/AIDS. Phew!) Amharic language. (courtesy of the AIDS Resource Center)
Be
smart, free your mind... : Go for voluntary counselling and testing
[poster]
Produced by: Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health / Center
for Communication Programs (CCP)
The Helping Each Other Act Responsibly Together (HEART) Campaign is being conducted
in Zambia between 1999-2002 with the goal of significantly reducing the sexual
transmission of HIV among youth between the ages of 13 - 19 in Zambia. Its behavior
change strategy is to encourage youth to abstain from sexual intercourse or
use a condom every time they have sex with every partner. (courtesy of the JHU/CCP
Media/Materials Clearinghouse)
"Getting
tested together was a sign of our love."[Magnaite & Petunia:
Make the commitment to one partner and go for an HIV test together. Be your
own hero : Take control.] [poster]
Produced by: Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health / Center
for Communication Programs (CCP)
This poster lists some reasons why having only one sexual partner is good. English
language. (courtesy of the JHU/CCP Media/Materials Clearinghouse)
HIV Voluntary Counselling and Testing: a Gateway to Prevention and Care [case studies]
Published by: UNAIDS
Presents five case studies relating VCT to prevention of mother-to-child transmission, tuberculosis treatment entry points, youth, and general populations.
Knowledge is Power: Voluntary Counselling and Testing in Uganda [report]
Published by: UNAIDS
Profiles the AIDS Information Centre, an organization providing counseling and testing in Uganda.
Voluntary Counseling and Testing (VCT) and Young People: A Summary Overview [report]
Published by: Family Health International (FHI)
This extensive report presents case studies and recommendations for providing adolescent-friendly VCT services.
A
Guide to HIV/AIDS Pastoral Counselling [handbook]
Published by: World Council of Churches
People living and dying with AIDS have spiritual and emotional as well as medical
needs. They are looking for pastoral counselling, consolation and acceptance.
In some places, pastors and churches are the nearest or only resources available
in times of crisis and need. This handbook for pastors and spiritual caregivers
is intended for international use; it is not available online but can be ordered
from this web site.
HIV Counseling and Testing for Youth: A Manual for Providers [manual]
HIV Counseling and Testing
for Youth: A Manual for Providers (559KB PDF format )
Published by: Family Health International (FHI) - 2005
This HIV counseling and testing manual is designed for service providers and
counselors working with youth. Approximately one-third of clients who seek HIV
testing are youth, and these young people often have different needs than do
adults. With this easy-to-use, spiral bound booklet, service providers and counselors
can improve their skills and assist youth with the difficult issue of HIV counseling
and testing.
Guidelines for
HIV Counselling and Testing in Ethiopia - 2007 (324 KB PDF format
)
Published by: Federal HIV/AIDS Prevention and Control Office
and Federal Ministry of Health July 2007
These guidelines reflect a significant shift towards more diversified approaches,
to include not only diagnostic and voluntary counselling and testing, but also
expanded provider initiated, couple, youth-friendly and home-based models.
Basic
HIV Counselling Guidelines (339 KB PDF format)
Published by: Southern African AIDS Trust (SAT)
Sixths in a series of guidelines for counselling people who are infected with
HIV, who are concerned about being infected with HIV, or who are living with
or caring for people with AIDS. The publications are designed for use by volunteer
counsellors, non-professional counsellors, and professional counsellors who
do not have extensive experience in counselling in the context of HIV/AIDS.
This booklet provides basic instruction on HIV/AIDS counselling. Chapters cover
such topics as basic counselling, counselling techniques, types of AIDS counselling,
referral systems, and record keeping.
Counselling Guidelines on Disclosure of HIV Status (171 KB PDF)
Published by: Southern African AIDS Trust (SAT)
From the Southern African AIDS Training Programme (SAT), these guidelines developed from direct experiences of people living with HIV and AIDS, are to assist those who may be called upon to counsel or advise people who are either thinking about disclosure or who are trying to cope with the consequences of involuntary disclosure. Available in English and Portuguese.
Additional Factsheet on disclosure: Pamphlet
Counselling guidelines on survival skills for people living with HIV (PDF)
Published by: Southern African AIDS Trust (SAT)
The 5th publication in a series of guidelines for counselling people who are infected with HIV, who are concerned about being infected with HIV, or who are living with or caring for people with AIDS. The publications are designed for use by volunteer counsellors, non-professional counsellors, and professional counsellors who do not have extensive experience in counselling in the context of HIV/AIDS. This booklet deals with the following subjects: preparing for a counselling session, pre-test counselling, post-test counselling, stress management, disclosure of HIV status, treatment and medicines, nutrition, reproductive and sexual health, self awareness, supportive counselling, peer counselling, supporting the counsellor.
Guidelines for Counselling Children Who Are Infected with HIV or Who Are Affected by HIV and AIDS (372 KB PDF)
Published by: Southern African AIDS Trust (SAT)
These guidelines produced by SAT, provides guidance for counselors who work with children who are infected and/or affected by HIV/AIDS. It includes how to communicate with them about sensitive issues, how to identify their needs and provide appropriate support.
Counseling Guide on Stress Management (PDF)
Published by: Southern African AIDS Trust (SAT)
Working on HIV and AIDS issues is particularly difficult for PLHA. As health workers or carers they are likely to feel stress and pressure related to their work. This booklet aims to show how individuals can recognize and manage their stress better.
Healthy Living: A Counseling Guide for Health Workers on Opportunistic Infections Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) and Management of ART Side Effects
Published by: Failmy Health International (www.fhi.org)
Essential information on ART, opportunistic infections and managing ART side effects is presented in flipchart, booklet and brochure format. English and Swahili versions of some materials are available. Uses simple illustrations and metaphors to convey ideas. Lower literacy.
Service
Delivery Models for HIV Counseling and Testing (CT) [Fact sheet]
Published by: Family Health International (FHI) - 2005
A number of counseling and testing (CT) service delivery models are being used
to expand entry points to HIV testing and to promote testing as a more routine
practice. Expanding the number of models will help more people learn their HIV
status and benefit from prevention, care and treatment services. This fact sheet
describes the various service delivery models for HIV CT, and highlights some
of the benefits and challenges of each model.
Scaling
Up HIV Testing and Counselling (TC) Services - Toolkit [Toolkit]
Published by: World Health Organization (WHO) - 2004
The aim of this toolkit is to provide an annotated bibliography of peer-reviewed
resources and tools to help planning, implementing and evaluating HIV testing
and counselling services in a resource-limited settings. The toolkit is a resource
for people involved in setting up or scaling up HIV testing and counselling
services. The toolkit provides references offering practical guidance on the
processes of planning and implementing testing and counselling services in resource-limited
settings.
Opening
Up the HIV/AIDS Epidemic: Guidance On Encouraging Beneficial Disclosure, Ethical
Partner Counselling, and Appropriate Use of HIV Case Reporting
[guidelines]
Published by: UNAIDS
This joint report from WHO and UNAIDS provides recommendations to VCT planners
and counselors about how to encourage people to disclose their HIV serostatus
to their sexual partner(s) and issues of confidentiality and appropriateness
in regional and national case reporting systems.
Revised Guidelines for HIV Counseling, Testing, and Referral [guidelines]
Published by: CDC (2001)
This publication from the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report summarizes the recommendations of a technical expert panel for public- and private-sector policy makers and service providers of HIV counseling, testing, and referral. The recommendations are based on evidence from all available scientific sources; where evidence is lacking, opinion of "best practices" by specialists in the field has been used.
Revised Recommendations for HIV Screening of Pregnant Women [guidelines]
Published by: CDC (2001)
Since 1998, the US government has recommended HIV testing for all pregnant women
receiving antenatal care, given effective interventions to prevent mother-to-child
transmission and to treat HIV-infected women. These guidelines arose as the
result of meetings concerning prevention of prenatal HIV and care of HIV-infected
women, and are consistent with the Revised Guidelines above.
Barriers to HIV Testing: Where Next? [op-ed article]
Published by: The Lancet
Author: Sten Vermund
From the Lancet, this opinion piece addresses numerous barriers to widespread HIV testing, especially in areas with scarce access to resources or low incomes.
Cost Effectiveness of Voluntary HIV-1 Counselling and Testing in Reducing Sexual Transmission of HIV in Nairobi, Kenya and in Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania: the Voluntary HIV-1 Counselling and Testing Efficacy Study [article]
Published by:
This paper found that VCT is a fairly cost-effective method to reduce HIV infection in East African settings.
Efficacy of voluntary HIV-1 counselling and testing in individuals and couples
in Kenya, Tanzania, and Trinidad: a randomized study [article]
Author: Voluntary HIV-1 Counselling and Testing Efficacy Study Group
Publication: The Lancet
This article by the Voluntary HIV-1 Counselling and Testing Efficacy Study Group published in the Lancet studied VCT as a means to reduce the frequency of unprotected sexual intercourse.
HIV & Partner Violence: Implications for HIV Voluntary Counseling and Testing [study report]
Published by: HORIZONS/Population Council
A study exploring the links between HIV infection, serostatus disclosure, and partner violence among women attending the Muhimbili Health Information Center (MHIC), a VCT clinic in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
Personalized HIV Counseling And Testing Show Promise In Reducing Risk Behaviors [article]
Published by: International Family Planning Perspectives
This article describes how personalized HIV counseling and testing can improve the likelihood of positive behavior change to prevent HIV infection and reduce spread.
Voluntary Counseling and Testing: Will It Attract Youth? [study report]
Published by: HORIZONS/Population Council
A Population Council study in Kenya and Uganda indicates that youth would like access to HIV testing and counseling services if the services are confidential, honest, and inexpensive.
WHO/UNAIDS Technical Consultation on Voluntary HIV Counselling and Testing: Models for Implementation and Strategies for Scaling of VCT Services [meeting proceedings]
Published by: UNAIDS
This meeting in Harare, Zimbabwe, led to the development of guidelines for applicability of different VCT models and approaches for different target groups.
Integrating
Hiv Voluntary Counselling And Testing Services Into Reproductive Health Settings
Preventing Hiv, Promoting Reproductive Health [guideline]
Published by: UNFPA
This guide aims to provide sexual and reproductive health (SRH) programme planners,
managers, and providers with the information necessary to integrate voluntary
counselling and testing (VCT) for HIV/AIDS within their services. VCT has been
shown to be an effective strategy to facilitate behaviour change for HIV prevention.
It offers an entry point for early care and support for those infected with
HIV and prevention of mother to child transmission. The cost of establishing
VCT services within existing SRH settings is lower than establishing them in
freestanding sites.
Assessment
of VCT Services [tool]
Published by: UNAIDS
This tool assesses the availability and quality of VCT services. It has been
used in several countries, although future revisions are likely, as the VCT
programs mature.
Costing Guidelines for HIV Prevention Strategies [tool]
Published by: UNAIDS
Instructions for conducting costing exercises for HIV prevention interventions, including VCT. Useful for program planners and health economists.
Models of HIV Voluntary Counseling and Testing Service Delivery
[fact sheet]
Published by: Family Health International (FHI)
Contains overviews of the models that have been employed for VCT services (including
stand-alone sites, integrated sites within existing health facilities, NGO-based
sites, private sector sites, mobile/outreach services, and a combination of
these services), evaluating strengths and constraints of each.
Counselling and voluntary
HIV testing for pregnant women in high HIV prevalence countries: Elements and
issues [report]
Published by: UNAIDS
This report covers rationale for prevention of maternal-to-child transmission,
considerations in counseling and risk reduction for pregnant women, and operational
and cost considerations for HIV testing in pregnant women.
Click here
to see the side A of the brochure (for men)
Click here to
see the side B of the brochure (for men)
Click here to
see the side A of the brochure (for women)
Click here to
see the side B of the brochure (for women)
Click here to see the Advantage
of Knowing (Efoy!) - Women [poster]
Click here to see the Advantage
of Knowing (Efoy!) - Men [poster]
