Our Work
3. Voluntary Counselling and Testing
This programme is targeted at young people aged 17 and upwards who attend Senior Secondary or vocational training schools. The main focus is on encouraging them to know their HIV status to help reduce transmission rates and allow those infected to seek appropriate professional advice. An additional important element is the reduction of stigma surrounding HIV/AIDS, which is achieved through sensitisation meetings attended by the target groups.
The LIFOC team give presentations on the various aspects of HIV/AIDS and STIs, and on the advantages of voluntary counseling and testing (VCT). Those people who opt to undertake voluntary testing are provided with further information and advice before being referred to the appropriate VCT centre. Books and stationery may be provided to some students as an incentive to go for testing.
People who find through voluntary testing that they are HIV positive are provided with the services of the LIFOC Care and Support programme, while those who test negative are encouraged to adopt best practice for reducing the risk of contracting the virus.