1. Round Table 7: HCT as a prevention strategy
Three presentations were made – by Mulumba, Chidarikire and Naidoo
• Innovative ideas/approaches
The possibility of having a regional SADC harmonized/standard for HTC and the linkage of HTC to
other services to ensure delivery of a comprehensive whole.
That SADC needs to consider HIV screening post test as a follow-up, to ensure continuity, given that
people test for HIV on a one off basis, and also given that it is common knowledge that knowledge
does not necessarily translate into action?
Normalise HIV like it was done with TB, so that many more people begin to accept that it is a chronic
condition like any other chronic disease
• Challenges
Naidoo indicated that there is yet to be established evidence of the efficacy and efficiency of PITC
Given the nature of the society, what happens when one partner (especially the female)is found
HIV+? Will this foster more violence?
Need to develop an M&E system to ensure that there is no double/multiple counting, given that
many providers conduct counselling and testing for HIV
The capacity to deliver services was questioned, given that lay counselling and testing is still not
allowed. The danger was in creating a demand for HTC that could not be met by suppy.
• Policy implications
Consider strategies that will ensure quality, effective and accessible HTC, through appropriate user
friendly services to clients.