|
 HIV Antibody Voluntary and Confidential Counseling and Testing
The whole process of HIV Antibody Voluntary and Confidential Counseling and Testing (VCCT) takes about 20 to 30 minutes depending on the discussion between client and counselor. VCCT consists of - Pretest Counseling, the “HIV test” itself, and Posttest Counseling.
During pretest counseling, we discuss HIV/AIDS issues as applied to the client, and prepare the client for the test. HIV/AIDS issues include: .
- reason for an HIV test
- knowledge about HIV and modes of transmission
- correction of misconceptions, questions, and clarifications
- assessment of personal risk with corresponding risk-reduction plan
- information concerning the test (process, meaning of results, window period)
- assessment of capacity to cope with test result
At UNMIK, we have Hexagon HIV – a rapid screening test that detects for antibodies to HIV 1 and HIV 2. From a prick on the fingertip, blood specimen is applied on the test kit. Reading of test result will take from 5 to 20 minutes.
During posttest counseling, the counselor gives the test result, discusses (with
the client) the meaning of the result and personal risk reduction plan.
This Hexagon HIV test will be repeated when a client’s initial result is positive. With two (2) separate positive results, blood specimen is sent to a laboratory in France for a confirmatory test.
| | |
| Testimony of VCCT experience by Marco Lembo |
| Marco Lembo, Project and Training Officer, UN Volunteers Support Unit – Pristina. Click here to read |
| |
|
List of UNMIK trained personnel who conduct HIV Antibody VCCT
|
| |
|
Administration of Post Exposure Prophylaxis Kits (PEP Kits)
What is PEP?
Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is an emergency medical response that can be used to protect individuals exposed to HIV. PEP consists of medication, laboratory tests and counselling. Ideally PEP should be initiated within 2-24 hours (and no later than 48-72 hours) of possible exposure to HIV, and must continue for approximately four weeks.
Although PEP has not been conclusively proven to prevent the transmission of HIV infection, research studies suggest that if medication is initiated quickly after the possible exposure (ideally within 2-24 hours and no later than 48-72 hours) it may be beneficial. The efficacy of PEP is probably higher if treatment is started within the first few hours of exposure and is probably progressively reduced if started later. After 48-72 hours, the benefits are probably minimal (or non-existent) and the risk of intolerance and side-effects associated with antiretroviral treatments will outweigh any potential preventive benefit.
We have 12 PEP Kits in UNMIK. Each PEP kit contains:
the medication required for the 30 days of PEP
a pregnancy test kit
emergency oral contraception ("morning-after" pill)
WHO guidelines of PEP Kits
a required consent form
Who is eligible for PEP in UNMIK?
PEP starter kits are available to individuals with an UNMIK contract (including long-term, short-term, SSA and others) who are exposed to HIV because of:
sexual assault; or
occupational accident
|
| |
|
|
| |
 Back to top | | |
|
| Story of the red ribbon |
|
“The Ribbon Project was created in 1991 by the Visual AIDS Artists Caucus, a group of artists who wished to create a visual symbol to demonstrate compassion for people living with AIDS and their caregivers. Inspired by the yellow ribbons honoring American soldiers serving in the Gulf war, the color red was chosen for its, ‘connection to blood and the idea of passion — not only anger, but love, like a valentine.’ First worn publicly by Jeremy Irons at the 1991 Tony Awards, the ribbon soon became renowned as an international symbol of AIDS awareness, becoming a politically correct fashion accessory on the lapels of celebrities. While this has caused concern to many activists, who worry that its meaning has become trivialized, as well as denigrated by the proliferation of ‘kitsch’ ribbon objects, the Red Ribbon continues to be a powerful force in the fight to increase public awareness of HIV/AIDS and in the lobbying efforts to increase funding for AIDS services and research.”
|
| |
| |
| For Support Counseling and Antiretroviral Therapy (ARV) for those who have HIV, please contact: |
| |
Celina Aseremo, HIV/AIDS Focal Point
VSAT 5464
Email: aseremoc@un.org |
| |
|
