What Works for Women and Girls

At a provincial hospital in Mombasa, Kenya, HIV testing and counseling were offeredto women bringing their child for immunization or acute care services. Most womensaid HIV testing should be offered in these clinics (472/493, 95.7%), with many citingthe benefits of regular testing and entry to prevent mother-to-child transmission. Of500 women, 416 (83.4%) received test results, 97.6% on the same day. After 50 participants,point-of-care testing replaced laboratory-based rapid testing. Uptake increased2.6 times with point-of-care testing. Of 124 women who had not accessed HIV testingduring pregnancy, 98 tested in the study (79.0%) (Chersich et al., 2008a). (Abstract)(HIV testing, counseling, health facilities, Kenya)3. Mass media interventions can increase the numbers of individuals and couples accessingVCT.A Cochrane review of mass media interventions for promoting HIV testing, whichincluded 35 references with two randomized trials, three non-randomized controlledstudies and nine interrupted time series found that mass media was significantly effectivein promoting HIV testing (Vidanapathirana et al., 2005). (Gray I) (mass media, HIVtesting)A mass media campaign in Zimbabwe disseminated via TV, radio and print that encouragedheterosexual couples to access VCT increased the proportion of couples accessingVCT significantly. Comparison of routine clinic data between the proportion of couplesattending VCT before and after the launch of the campaign found that couples accessingVCT increased from 13% in 2005 to 18% in 2007. Survey data showed that individualswith exposure to the campaign were more likely to access VCT than those without exposureto the campaign (Dhlamini et al., 2008). (Gray V) (mass media, counseling, HIVtesting, Zimbabwe)4. Community outreach and mobilization can increase uptake of VCT.A study from 2002 to 2003 in rural Thailand with people above age 16 found thatmobile HIV testing increased the number of people testing. Of the 427 people whowere tested via mobile VCT, 131 had had a prior HIV test. Prior to testing, HIV/AIDSeducation was launched in communities. Two-way communication and group discussionswere used for the educational programs conducted at a convenient location in thecommunity. Confidential or anonymous testing was provided. Those who chose confidentialtesting were provided a study unique number for receiving test results. Peoplereceived pre-test counseling, HIV testing, and post-test counseling and test results bytrained counselors. Non-testers were randomly selected for interviews and testers werealso interviewed. 427 people who participated in community based VCT were comparedto 389 community non-testers. A total of 31 village leaders, 54 testers and 43 non-testerswere interviewed in-depth and all three groups viewed community testing positivelydue to convenience and no cost (Kawichai et al., 2007). (Gray III) (counseling, communityoutreach, HIV testing, Thailand)WHAT WORKS FOR WOMEN AND GIRLS157