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Abstract
A baseline study to establish a youth-focused VCT site in an existing youth facility
I O Akin-Jimoh, S Amuwa, F O Onifade
Youth Empowerment Foundation, Lagos, Nigeria
Background: This is based on lessons learnt from putting in place a youth-focused VCT center in Surulere, Lagos. It also builds on an in-depth baseline research which evaluated current existing sites for counseling, testing and VCT. Research has shown that many young people are eager to undergo VCT, however a lot of existing services are not youth friendly, accessible and affordable for young people. Voluntary counseling and testing programs are designed to provide easy access to HIV testing for persons who wish to know their sero-status, through an approach that emphasizes informed consent, pre and post-test counseling, and referral to follow-up services.
Method: Out of 30 identified VCT sites in Lagos based referral lists from a 24 hour hotline service, one third of these sites were randomly selected to participate in the study. A total of 10 sites were assessed for facilities available, such as counseling, support and follow-up services. A provider questionnaire was developed that elicited information on capacity of VCT centers such as training programs for staff, operation hours and type of tests available and their youth friendliness.
Results: A total of 10 provider questionnaires were administered and interpreted. Only two of these centers had facilities for counseling integrated with testing facilities. Others either provide counseling or testing alone. Out of the testing centers only one had one-hour service, even though some testing sites used rapid tests, results were usually not released to clients the same day. The practice is to forward results to clients' doctors. None of the centers focused exclusively on youth nor provide separate facilities for young people to use. In addition none of the centers had late evening services nor flexible hours.
Conclusion: This In-depth research into the providers of VCT services show that carefully researched support structures need to be put in place before VCT services are made widely available to youth.
The XV International AIDS Conference
Abstract no.
WePeE6866
Suggested Citation
"I O Akin-Jimoh, et al.
A baseline study to establish a youth-focused VCT site in an existing youth facility.
Poster Exhibition:
The XV International AIDS Conference:
Abstract no.
WePeE6866"
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