Evaluation of the construction of AIDS voluntary counseling and testing network in Xiaoshan district

Objective The study was conducted to explore the appropriate mode of primary AIDS voluntary counseling and testing(VCT). Methods An AIDS voluntary counseling and testing (VCT) network, with 36 established VCT clinics, unified training of consultants and standardized consultation process, was constructed in this area. Registration forms for VCT individuals since the establishment of this VCT network in Xiaoshan district, January, 2006, till June, 2007 were collected for statistical analysis. Results After the construction of VCT network, the number of VCT cases had greatly increased compared with 2005. The number of positive cases also increased. Forms of VCT included: face-to-face consultation: 486 (45.04%), mostly performed in CDCs and birth control centers; group VCT: 593 (54.96%), mostly in community health service centers or prisons. Conclusion Extensive grass-roots VCT network may facilitate the early detection of HIV infection. Suitable location of VCT clinics and appropriate forms of VCT adopted according to the characteristics of VCT can enhance the effect of VCT.