Challenges for the Provision of voluntary Counseling and Testing Services in Registered Counseling and Testing Centres of Lilongwe

Abstract

This study explored the challenges of HIV Testing and Counseling (HTC) faced by Voluntary Counseling and Testing (VCT) centres in Lilongwe District. The aim of the study was to find out if there are any institutional and human resources related obstacles to low turn up of clients for VCT in Malawi. National AIDS Commission report for 2005 states that there is low turn up of clients at VCT centres in Malawi. This concurs with the 2001 NAC survey that revealed that up to 80% of sexually active population in Malawi has not gone for VCT. The rationale was to find out ways of improving the noble service of HIV Testing and Counseling. The study employed both quantitative and qualitative research methods to complement each other in order to get more comprehensive and insightful understanding. Results of the assessment suggest that access to the HTC service plays a big role in people accepting and utilizing the service better, with the urban areas being at a greater advantage than the rural areas. It also suggested that counselors’ attitude, availability and empathy during both pre and post counseling services was also commendable. Therefore the study recommends the government to resolve the issue of equity to access and consider constructing more permanent structure preferably free standing structures with a minimum of 4 qualified Counselors per centre both in the rural and urban areas