|
|
|
|
HIV testing: a practical approach
36 Page 37 38
|
Appendix 1: Considering HIV testing and testing strategies |
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?
Has this
information been useful? Quick Feedback
|