Audit of Voluntary Counselling and Testing in South Africa (Archived)

HST completed 'An Evaluation of Voluntary Counselling and Testing (VCT) Services' in 2002. This assessment aimed at informing the National Department of Health about progress made with the implementation of the VCT programme at public sector facilities. The study demonstrated that, whilst significant progress had been made in implementing VCT, numerous problems were still encountered. Recommendations from the study focussed on the introduction quality assurance systems (including measures of client satisfaction), the establishment of effective supervision and mentoring procedures, the standardisation of data collection and the integration of VCT with other programmes at district level. The results of the study were presented to the National Department of Health in February 2003.

Further work on 'An Audit of Voluntary Counselling and Testing in South Africa' is being undertaken by the HIVCORE (HIV/AIDS Counselling Research and Evaluation Group) at the School of Psychology, University of Natal. The aim of this project is to provide an audit of the current status of VCT in the country with a view to generating an analysis and recommendations for the promotion, development and sustainability of VCT services. The database mapping of current VCT sites across the country, is nearing completion and will soon be presented to the NDOH and other role-players.