What Works for Women and Girls

2. Efforts are needed to identify opportunities to offer HIV testing and counseling in healthcare settings that might reach women who are otherwise inaccessible, such as within postabortioncare services. Studies found that abortion and post-abortion care services failed tooffer HIV testing to women.Gap noted generally by Askew and Berer, 2003; de Bruyn, 2003 and Oosterhoff et al.,2008.3. Further efforts are needed to ensure optimal counseling strategies and topics, such as preandpost-test counseling and detailed information about treatment and the risks withinmarriage. Studies found that women who went for an HIV test prior to marriage felt theydid not need another HIV test for the duration of the marriage and that pre-test counselingwas important.Gap noted, for example, globally (Jurgens, 2007a); in Tanzania (Mmbaga et al., 2009);in Ethiopia (Bradley et al., 2008b); and Zimbabwe (Sherr et al., 2007).4. Interventions are needed to reduce the risk of provider coercion in HIV testing, particularlyin provider-initiated testing and counseling. Studies found that significant numbers ofwomen felt that they could not refuse an HIV test or that HIV testing was mandatory.Gap noted, for example, in South Africa (Groves et al., 2009); Botswana (PHR, 2007aand Weiser et al., 2006a); China (Li et al., 2007); and Ukraine (Yaremenko et al., 2004).5. Further efforts are needed to make HIV testing and counseling available and accessibleto young people. [See Chapter 5B. Primary Prevention for Young People: Increasing Access toServices]166 CHAPTER 6 HIV TESTING AND COUNSELING FOR WOMEN