AEGiS-11IAC: HIV counselling and testing: resolved that government/public resources for HIV prevention in the developing world should not be directed toward the provision of HIV counselling and testing services.

11th International AIDS Conference


Vancouver, British Columbia — July 7-12, 1996

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HIV counselling and testing: resolved that government/public resources for HIV prevention in the developing world should not be directed toward the provision of HIV counselling and testing services.

Int Conf AIDS 1996 Jul 7-12; 11:2 (abstract no. We.15)
Alwano-Edyegu MG, Gumisiriza E, Campbell C, Moore M, Marum E, Kaleeba N; AIDS Information Centre, Kampala, Uganda.

ISSUE: Presentation of the "Negative Argument" to the resolution/debate topic. Based on lessons learnt from HIV prevention interventions in the developing world, we believe that every country should consider HIV counseling and testing (CT), targeted as appropriate, as part of a comprehensive prevention package based on country context and needs. Arguments Against the Resolution: The experience of the AIDS Information Centre (AIC) in Uganda demonstrates that high HIV prevalence and high HIV awareness leads to increased concern on how to avoid HIV infection and increased demand for HIV testing. Evaluation of the impact of HIV CT has shown that CT benefits both HIV+ and HIV- people in selecting prevention strategies appropriate to their life situations. All interventions and resources spent on these interventions should be appropriately guided by a framework for prevention effectiveness. Our argument will address this framework.

CONCLUSION: Developing countries should support the concept of a comprehensive national HIV prevention program. Such a program should be based upon the best science and experience available and grounded in the actual prevention needs of communities. Active collaboration between communities, governmental, and non-governmental organizations should be the process in developing this comprehensive approach. HIV counseling and testing services should be one of the components, targeted as appropriate, in a developing country's comprehensive HIV prevention strategy.

Keywords: AEGIS, Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, Counseling, HIV Infections, Health Resources, Developing Countries, Health Services Needs and Demand, Health Services Accessibility, Uganda, prevention & control, ICA11KWDaegis,acquiredimmunodeficiencysyndrome,counseling,hivinfections,healthresources,developingcountries,healthservicesneedsanddemand,healthservicesaccessibility,uganda,prevention&control,ica11

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