08/07/2022
HIV Testing Services are collectively called the 5cs and these must be followed in order to achieve the ultimate goal of HIV prevention, treatment, care and support services.
1. Consent, clients must give informed consent and be told of their right to decline testing. Mandatory or coerced testing is not appropriate.
2. Confidentiality, this means that the discussion between the counselor and the client will not be disclosed to Anyone else without the clients consent. Although confidentiality should be respected, it should not be allowed to reinforce secrecy, stigma or shame
3. Counseling, Any counseling and information given must be appropriate, truthful and of high quality both before and after the test.
4. Correct test results, HIV testing and counseling providers should strive to provide high quality testing services. Quality assurance mechanisms should be in place to ensure the provision of correct test results, lastly and but not the least.
5. Connections and linkages to prevention, care and treatment, support services should include the provision of effective referral to appropriate follow up services as Indicated. This includes prevention services for those tested negative and prompt ART initiation for those tested positive for HIV.
