Providing integrated voluntary counselling and testing (VCT) services in Uganda

Abstract

The aim of the study was to explore the nature and utilisation of voluntary counselling and testing (VCT) service delivery to the Kasenyi fish landing site in the Wakiso district, Uganda. A qualitative, descriptive and explorative study was conducted and data were collected by conducting semi-structured interviews with seven purposively selected VCT counsellors from two hospitals serving the study area. VCT counsellors, mostly trained in medical sciences and in counselling, also provided other services at their hospitals within an integrated service delivery model. VCT services were offered at the hospitals or through mobile outreaches within target communities, including home-based VCT services. Different forms of counselling included individual, group, family and couples counselling. Although counsellors were well trained and qualified to offer VCT and related services, they faced challenges such as staff shortages and limited institutional support, which affected VCT service delivery and utilisation. Recommendations include increasing VCT staff, recruiting community volunteer counsellors, strengthening institutional support to VCT counsellors and sensitising communities about VCT services.