AFEW: Annual Report 2001/2002 >> Pre- and post-HIV test counselling

Annual Report 2001/2002

Pre- and post-HIV test counselling

This programme is designed to train health staff on the principles and practices of confidential and voluntary HIV testing. Trained staff will use their contact with clients to tell them about safer sex practices and their risk of contracting and/or transmitting HIV/AIDS and STIs. Potential lead trainers are selected from among the participants of the initial workshops and receive 'Training for Trainers'.

AFEW periodically follows up with the trained instructors. Site visits are conducted to strengthen counselling skills and to support the propagation of counselling activities. Throughout the term of the programme, AFEW works with local partners to institutionalise the programme through the core group of lead trainers in co-operation with governmental counterparts.

Training seminars in Mongolia and Kazakhstan

In Mongolia, 120 health professionals have been trained on proper HIV test counselling in co-operation with the National AIDS Centre of Mongolia and a core group of 12 lead trainers. At the conclusion of the two-year project cycle in mid-2001, the programme was handed over to the Mongolian NGO 'Mongol Vision'. In 2002, a similar programme was started in Kazakhstan, with plans to train an initial group of 40 health professionals. Lead trainers from the Mongolian programme will be involved in this new initiative.

Selected Outcomes from Pre- and Post-HIV Test Counselling Training Courses in 2002:

• An intensive three-year counselling programme began in Kazakhstan for 40 health professionals.
• 14 training sessions were carried out for a total of 215 trainees as a component of the Prison Project in the RF and the HRT Projects in the RF and Ukraine. One internal training session was organised for 15 AFEW programme staff members.
• The following information materials were produced for the Prison Project in the RF:
  • Checklist on pre- and post-HIV test counselling for medical staff – 3,000 copies
  • Guidelines on pre- and post-HIV test counselling – 65 copies.