Models for HIV Testing.

The traditional focus internationally was on VCT - voluntary testing.

* The South African Guidelines on operating a VCT service is available here (Document incomplete) (100KB)

The move in many circles now seems to be towards Routine opt-out testing; a model of HIV testing and counselling that makes the HIV test a routine part of medical care in countries. A number of article on this topic can be found:

* One of the strong South African advocates is Judge Cameron. An article from PlusNews is available here (35KB)

* Read a news article about "Testing stigma" from AEGIS

* A more scientific article on "Changing the Paradigm for HIV Testing" can be found here.(76KB)

* The newest recommendations from the CDC can be downloaded (251 KB)

* A comprehensive article with a note of caution about some of the challenges of this model can be found in this article (85.0 KB) reporting on the 2006 PEPFAR Meeting

* An individual living with HIV shares his concern in the PositvelyAware Journal.

* "WHO/UNAIDS endorse opt-out HIV testing" -read this AIDSMAP article published on 30 May 2007. The complete guidelines are available here.

The last option is compulsory testing. Other than in selected cases (eg " to protect victims of crime, emergency service workers and persons who provide emergency first aid") this is mostly frowned on in Human Rights circles, although it is legal in countries like Hungary and suggested by people like Bill Clinton as a solution. Read more about Mr Clinton's view here.