HIV testing: a practical approach  >  Appendix 1: Considering HIV testing and testing strategies 
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Appendix 1: Considering HIV testing and testing strategies

HIV testing: a practical approach    36  Page 37  38 

Before planning or implementing a testing strategy, it can be useful to discuss some of the issues with people who will be affected. People might include: 
 

• national and district health planners

• people living with HIV

• health workers

• traditional healers

• blood transfusion service staff

• counselling services

• care and prevention NGOs

• local community and religious leaders

• industry and workplace representatives

• military, police and other sectors.

The following issues could be discussed: 
 

• compulsory testing 

• counselling before and after testing

• disclosure of results without consent 

• keeping information strictly confidential. 

The issues chosen will depend on local circumstances

ACTIVITY 1 
Planning a strategy 

The group should agree what issues to discuss, and why, and then discuss the following points in smaller groups. Having agreed on the main points in the small group, the larger group should agree on recommendations and action. Possible points to be discussed:
 

• Why is this issue important? 

• Should the recommended action be mandatory or simply advisable? 

• Are there exceptions to the recommendation, and, if so, under what conditions? 

 

Issue: SHOULD PREGNANT WOMEN BE TESTES FOR HIV? Pre-conditions before testing __________________________________________________ Advantages of testing __________________________________________________ Disadvantage of testing __________________________________________________ If so, which HIV test? __________________________________________________

It may be helpful to summarise the discussion in a table like this.
 
 
ACTIVITY 2 
Choosing an HIV testing strategy 

The same discussion method can be used for planning how to carry out the strategy. This sort of exercise may be useful if there are limited resources, in order to see what will be of most benefit.
 

Carrying out the testing strategy	BLOOD DONORS	STI PATIENTS	TB CLINICS
What is the recommendation?
Why is the recommendation  important/advisable?
Who should carry it out?
Should the recommendation  be mandatory or advisable?
Are the exceptions to the  recommendation? If so,  under what conditions?

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