I think there is an important policy message here. Providing free HIV tests increases the number of clients presenting for evaluation and makes HIV prevention more cost-effective. We changed our practice because of these results. |
Our colleagues at KIWAKKUKI called it the 'crash' period because it was kind of crazy. |
Right now there is a lot of emphasis on treatment, which is appropriate, but prevention is also important, and HIV testing clearly helps to avert HIV infections. For every $92 invested in free HIV testing and counseling at an organization such as KIWAKKUKI, an HIV infection can be averted. |
They are a remarkable group of women doing the hard work of taking care of AIDS patients for the long-term. They asked us to provide an HIV testing program as a means of promoting behavioral changes, and that's really the genesis of this project. |