Voluntary Confidencial Counseling and Testing (VCCT) PDF Print E-mail
  • The National HIV and AIDS control program started the provision of VCCT services in 2003. As an initial step in the establishment of VCCT sites, the services of Family Health International (FHI) was consulted to assess the existing sites and develop a national VCCT Guideline and training manual.
  • The primary objective of VCCT had been prevention, to influence behavior change and prevent transmission of HIV. Many people needed to know and understand their HIV status. However availability of the service in Sierra Leone was restricted and when it was made available initially, uptake was relatively low. Most of those seeking to know their were the clinically ill. People were reluctant to go for VCCT because the drugs and psychosocial support were not available and also, there was no community support and legal framework to address stigma and discrimination
  • The increased commitment of the government of Sierra Leone in the provision of VCCT service and the availability of free antiretroviral drugs has lead to increased uptake of VCCT services and a reduction   in the level of stigma. There are currently 386 counseling and testing sites all over the country. HIV testing is free at all the sites and the rapid HIV antibody test kits are utilized.
 

Newsflash

REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST

(International Individual Consultant)

Assignment Title: Piloting of Needle and Syringe Exchange Program in Sierra Leone

Reference No. : GF/NAS/NACP/SER/04/2018

The National AIDS Secretariat received funding from Global Fund against HIV, Tuberculosis and Malaria (GFATM) as Principal Recipient (PR) to implement “Program Continuation Request (PCR)” which commenced in January 2018 and ends 31st December 2020. In collaboration with the Country Coordination Mechanism (CCM) of the Global Fund and its Sub Recipients (SRs), NAS is scaling up a prioritized National AIDS Response focused in six High Burden Districts and Key Populations as the most affected and infected by HIV. The current grant includes investment in HIV programs focussed on key populations including Female Sex Workers (FSW), men who have sex with men (MSM), and people who inject drugs (PWID). The Secretariat requires the services of a consultant to Pilot the Implementation of Needle and Syringe Exchange Program in Sierra Leone. The Secretariat intend to use part of the proceeds from the Global Fund grant for eligible payment for the execution of this activities.

The description (scope and output ) of the assignment include:
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