My Training In HIV Counseling and Testing.

I have always dreamed of doing more and more in the field of HIV and AIDS.Recently.Last month,i was excited to be trained in HIV Counseling and Testing.I attended 124 hours of Comprehensive HIV Counseling and Testing Course in Compliance with the Kenyan National Counseling and Testing guidelines.I am now a HIV Counselor,trained to do Counseling and carry out Rapid Testing in the following categories.

VCT-Voluntary Coucseling and Testing

PITC-Provider Initiated Counseling and Testing

PMTCT-Prevention From Mother To Child Counseling and Testing

CBHTC-Community Based HIV Counseling and Testing

MVCT-Mobile Voluntary Counseling and Testing.

I also learnt to integrate Family Planning,Sexually Transmitted Infections and Substance abuse in Counseling and Testing,and how to handle different categories of clients including couples,children,men having sex with men,etc.

Though my schedule has been relatively busy,i am glad i have been able to Counsel and Test 9 Clients,including a Couple! Six of them i handled during my Observed Practice with my tutor,and handled three independently.I was delighted to hear appreciation from my clients,and also to be able to give more advice and links to clients who tested positive.

My aim is to be strong in service in HIV and AIDS,and be able to create a change,in lives of individuals and communities.I will also be glad to share all available information here on PulseWire,and to learn more too.

I know many people are not comfortable going for testing,because they fear to know their status just in case it turns negative.It is advisable for people to know their status,even if it turns out to be positive.The earlier one knows their status,the more convenient it is for managing the sickness and treating any complications that may arise.Living positively is quite helpful too.

Let us all join in Solidarity,in the fight against HIV and AIDS.