Model guidelines for voluntary HIV and AIDS confidential counseling and testing (VCCT)

WELLBEING: HIV AND AIDS, PREVENTION AND CARE:
Voluntary Confidential Counseling and Testing

Tips and Tools

The impact of HIV and AIDS across geographic regions

Sample policy statement on HIV and AIDS (CIFOR)

Sample information brochure on HIV and AIDS (World Agroforestry Center)

Resources on the Internet for HIV and AIDS management in the workplace

CGIAR information resources on HIV and AIDS

1 Voluntary confidential counseling and testing (VCCT) is considered one of the most important steps in the effort to control the worldwide spread of HIV and AIDS.

2 At the community level, increased testing promotes acknowledgement of the disease and provides a contact point for education and prevention efforts.

3 At the individual level, attitudes and behaviors of people living with HIV and AIDS highly depend on how confirmation of infection is relayed. If the person did not suspect HIV exposure, the shock can be extreme and may cause depression. Even when testing was undertaken voluntarily and HIV-positive status was suspected, counseling can reduce depression and family tension and therefore aid in sustaining workplace effectiveness.

Voluntary CONFIDENTIAL counseling AND TESTING (VCCT) programs
4 The principal components of voluntary confidential counseling and testing programs are now well established. They are:
(a) testing must be voluntary;
(b) informed and written consent is obtained from the individual before testing;
(c) the program provides pre-test counseling;
(d) the program provides post-test counseling;
(e) confidentiality of test results is assured;
(f) individuals are informed of the results in person; and
(g) referral is provided to appropriate counseling for HIV-infected personnel.

Finding suitable VCCT programs
5 No CGIAR Center can be expected to assume testing and counseling services independently. VCCT resources are growing and improving in most major cities worldwide and are provided by specialized HIV and AIDS service providers or regular healthcare services.

6 Consequently, a first step in establishing an HIV and AIDS program is to identify VCCT resources in the community. HR managers should ascertain that the VCCT service provider will:
(a) meet the established criteria (listed in paragraph 4), and
(b) cooperate effectively and fully to ensure employee confidentiality.