[TuPp0201] TAKING IT TO THE STREETS: MOBILE UNITS FOR COUPLES VOLUNTARY COUNSELING AND TESTING

3rd International AIDS Society Conference on HIV Pathogenesis and Treatment

Rio de Janeiro - July 24 - 27, 2005

TAKING IT TO THE STREETS: MOBILE UNITS FOR COUPLES VOLUNTARY COUNSELING AND TESTING

IAS Conf HIV Pathog Treat 2005 Jul 24-27;3rd: Abstract No. TuPp0201

Casanova D.¹, Rwanda Zambia HIV Research Group Z.E.H.R.P.²²
¹ Rwanda-Zambia HIV Research Group, Emory University, Lusaka, Zambia, ² Emory University, Atlanta, United States of America

INTRODUCTION: Couples' VCT (CVCT) decreases HIV incidence between partners by >50%/year, however <1% of African couples have been tested together. In addition to fixed CVCT sites, mobile units (MU) enhance supply of CVCT by bringing the service into communities. This study considers various factors in determining the success of MUs to increase CVCT uptake in Rwanda and Zambia.

METHODS: MUs were implemented concurrently in Kigali and Lusaka from July 2004-January 2005 where CVCT was not previously available. Political and community Influential Network Leaders (INLs) identified MU locations for CVCT. MUs were held at each location twice a week for one month. Influential Network Agents (INAs) were trained to invite couples to fixed CVCT and MU sites. The number of couples tested and additional observations were recorded.

RESULTS: In Kigali, MUs were held at 3 schools, 1 private clinic, 1 PLWHA association, and 1 district office from July 2004-January 2005 where 366 couples were tested. The highest average of couples tested was at the private clinic (14.8). Most sites were located at least 3kms away from the fixed site. In Lusaka, MUs were held at 1 school, 3 private clinics, 3 churches and 1 community center where 22 couples were tested. The highest average of couples tested was at the private health clinic (1.4). All Lusaka MU sites were located within 3kms of the fixed site.

CONCLUSIONS: Successful MU sites depend on the participation of community and political/administrative leaders as well as the type of site. In Kigali, the most successful MU benefited from strong INL involvement and additional leaders at the grassroots level. In Lusaka, bringing services closer to the community through MUs has not been successful. Additional political/administrative and grassroots leaders have not been fully utilized in promoting MUs and these sites may not be far enough away from the fixed site.

Download PDF of this abstract.

050724
Prevention | TuPp0201 | Debbie Casanova
Voluntary counselling and testing

Copyright © 2005 - International AIDS Society (IAS). All information and content relating to the abstracts from the 3rd International AIDS Society Conference on HIV Pathogenesis and Treatment, such as text, graphics, logos, button icons, images, audio clips, and software is protected by copyright. Permission is hereby granted for the non-commercial use or reproduction of the information on this web site, provided that the use of such information is accompanied by an acknowledgement that IAS is the source of the information and the name of the author of the article.

AEGiS is made possible through unrestricted funding from Boehringer Ingelheim, Bridgestone/Firestone Charitable Trust, Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Elton John AIDS Foundation, the National Library of Medicine, and donations from users like you. Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 2005. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.

AEGiS presents published material, reprinted with permission and neither endorses nor opposes any material. All information contained on this website, including information relating to health conditions, products, and treatments, is for informational purposes only. It is often presented in summary or aggregate form. It is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.

Copyright ©1980, 2005. AEGiS. All materials appearing on AEGiS are protected by copyright as a collective work or compilation under U.S. copyright and other laws and are the property of AEGiS, or the party credited as the provider of the content. Permission is hereby granted for the non-commercial use or reproduction of the information herein, provided that the use of such information is accompanied by an acknowledgement that IAS is the source of the information and the name of the author of the article.