More come for HIV testing - report

ISAIAH MOREWAGAE
Staff Writer | Thursday November 12, 2009 00:00

The Tebelopele Voluntary Counselling and Testing Centre annual report for 2008/2009 says the organisation's clients uptake has increased from a total of 3783 in 2000 to over 650 000 as at March 31 this year. Tebelopele says the growth is largely due to the continued support it has enjoyed from the government, other partners and the commitment and dedication of its staff.

'For this reporting period, 160 188 clients were counselled and tested,' the report says, adding that Tebelopele aims to be a source of information, support and testing for all of its clients. Out of a total of the 163 095 people seen in 2008/2009, 98.2 percent received counselling and testing while a mere 1.8 percent received counselling only, the report says.

This trend has been observed over the last few years and is attributed to people not having adequate time for either counselling or testing during their visit. 'They were coming to seek information only or supportive counselling,' says the report.

To achieve its goal, Tebelopele is continuously trying to reach more first-time testers through mobilisation, outreach and ward-based testing efforts. 'The proportion of Tebelopele clients who received voluntary counselling and testing services outside of a Tebelopele stand-alone centre rose from less than one percent in 2000/2001 to more than 44.4 percent (7 2324) in 2008/2009,' the report says.

The number of repeat testers increased from 5.2 percent in 2000 to 35.7 percent in 2008/2009 mainly due to the ongoing campaign to encourage people to test themselves as part of a healthy lifestyle, as well as other promotions that attract large numbers of people, including those previously tested.

The report on HIV prevalence says: 'Between 2000 and 2006, the highest prevalence was recorded among sexually active adults in the 35 to 39 years age group, followed by the 30 to 34 years age group.' By comparison, the lowest prevalence was recorded among the 15 to 19 years age group.

The report notes that Botswana law currently prohibits HIV testing for all individuals under the age of 21, thus the number of people seen under the age of 21 is lower compared to all other age groups.