Using Client Flow to Assess Effectiveness of Voluntary Counseling and Testing Service as the Gateway in the Control of HIV/AIDS in Anambra State, South-East Nigeria

Abstract

Anambra State, South-East Nigeria, had high prevalence of HIV averaging 7.1% during period under study. In line with national guidelines, the State established 117 Voluntary Counseling and Testing (VCT) centers designed to function as ‘gateway’ service to other HIV/AIDS services in the State. This study assessed the effectiveness of VCT centers as ‘gateway’ to other HIV/ AIDS services in Anambra State for the period 2006 to 2011 using the client flow recorded by the VCT centers. Descriptive documentary survey was adopted. Secondary data comprising of client flows of the VCT centers were collected. The data were presented in tables as integrated annual summary reports, and analysed as percentages, comparison, and for significance using Chi-Square Test of Significance @ 0.05. It was found that average annual client flows of 1.89% at the VCT centers were not significant. Inference was drawn and conclusion made that VCT service, for the years under study, was not an effective gateway to other HIV/AIDS services in Anambra State. The study recommends a paradigm shift to Universal Counseling and Testing involving, among other features; focus on provider-initiated counseling and testing and liberalization of the location of UCT centers in other public places with high client catchment potentials such as Government Secretariats.