Current Issues in HIV Counseling and Testing in South and Southeast Asia

As the HIV/AIDS pandemic spreads throughout South and Southeast Asia, there has been much debate in recent years about how best to incorporate HIV counseling and testing services into HIV/AIDS prevention, care, and support programs in the region. A wide variety of views exist about which approaches are most feasible, acceptable, and cost-effective. New public health imperatives, such as the prevention of mother-to child transmission (MTCT) of HIV, and difficult human rights issues also challenge counseling and testing service providers. Throughout the region, some countries have substantial programmatic and research experience in HIV counseling and testing, while others are still developing national policies and designing pilot interventions.

In recognition of the potential for regional exchange of views and experiences on this important issue, the Population Council's Horizons Project and Family Health International's Implementing AIDS Prevention and Care (FHI/IMPACT) Project organized a three-day workshop from February 1-3, 1999, in Mumbai, India.