HIV voluntary counseling and testing among youth: results from an exploratory study in Nairobi, Kenya, and Kampala and Masaka, Uganda

Voluntary counseling and testing (VCT) programs have increased the adoption of safe sexual behavior and the use of care and support services among adults (Coates et al. 1998). Are VCT programs appropriate for young people, who account for the majority of all new HIV infections in East and southern Africa? To find out, researchers conducted exploratory research to identify opportunities for and barriers to providing VCT for youth. The first phase of the study, completed in May 2000, indicates that youth would like access to HIV testing and counseling services if the services are confidential and inexpensive and if the results are reported honestly.