Counseling and Testing

 

In 2007 RAPIDS expanded its counseling and testing program from giving referrals to offering our clients direct counseling and testing through our caregivers. In 2008 RAPIDS will train 118 caregivers across the country and will provide over 17,000 people with access to voluntary counseling and testing (VCT) services. To serve as entry points for post-test care, support, and treatment, those who test HIV positive will be integrated into the RAPIDS network, which will provide clients with home-based care, nutrition education, psychosocial, and other support services.

RAPIDS will also provide counseling and testing by linking communities to mobile testing service providers. Our caregiver counselors will be available on an ongoing basis for testing in all of the districts we cover. 
 

Caregivers trained in counseling and testing are provided with bicycles through the World Bicycle Relief program, which enables them to travel over long distance and provide VCT services at a client’s home. Offering VCT in the comfort of our clients’ homes reduces the stigmatization of testing and increases the sense of confidentiality, and thus the likelihood that people will get tested.

For more information on RAPIDS CT program, please contact Sara Ngoma.