Counseling and Testing Program Reaches Out to at Risk Populations

Vietnam's HIV/AIDS epidemic is concentrated primarily among injecting drug users, commercial sex workers and men who have sex with men. Outreach workers regularly walk into neighborhoods in Hai Phong City with the hope of reaching these at-risk populations with information about HIV/AIDS and voluntary counseling and testing (VCT). The outreach workers encourage individuals to seek HIV counseling and testing at the Community Health Counseling Center in Hai Phong City.

Launched at the end of May, a new communications campaign will help to expand the reach of the VCT program. The campaign targets potential clients with information about HIV counseling and testing and the locations of VCT sites. Billboards and posters encourage clients to talk with counselors to discuss feelings of fear and concern, and to answer questions related to HIV/AIDS. The campaign also emphasizes the importance of testing as a crucial step in improving overall health and quality of life.