Assessment Of Voluntary Counseling And Testing Centers In Kenya. Potential Demand, Acceptability, Readiness, And Feasibility Of Integrating Family Planning Services Into VCT

Abstract

Kenya continues to experience a high HIV prevalence rate on the order of 15%. A key intervention strategy for reducing the HIV prevalence is the promotion and provision of voluntary counseling and testing (VCT) services to all Kenyans who wish to know their status. Because VCT serves men and women of reproductive age and because HIV is transmitted mainly through heterosexual contact, VCT clients may be in need of contraception to protect from unwanted pregnancies and HIV transmission. This study gathered information about VCT services in Kenya during June 2002 in an effort to identify and to formulate programmatic options for effective integration of family planning into VCT services. The following questions were addressed to inform the development and implementation of a policy and strategy to facilitate the integration of these two services. Is there potential demand for family planning services among VCT clients? Is the provision of family planning services during VCT sessions acceptable to the clients, providers, and VCT center in-charges? What elements of contraceptive counseling and distribution are VCT services in their current form ready to offer? Is it feasible to provide family planning services within the VCT service environment? (excerpt)