Based on firsthand experience, African Services Committee is able to provide in-depth technical assistance in developing and implementing in-house VCT programs. An on-site VCT program is viable in the most resource-constrained environments and within the greater context of care and support programs, enhances and streamlines AIDS-related service delivery.

For many community-based organizations, existing staff can be trained as counselors and phlebotomists (if needed). With these principles in mind, we tailor the development of VCT programs to the need and resource realities of a given community and organization.

Components of our VCT technical assistance include:

• Assessing the feasibility of establishing in-house VCT
• Training HIV counselors
• Developing counseling and teting protocols
• Documenting service delivery
• Establishing an internal and external referral system
• Managing data
• Quality assurance, including confidentiality protocol
• Linking to partner counseling and referral services
• Assessing general site operations