VCCTC and the need for Peer counselors

[Guest guest]

Dear AIDS INDIA Forum members,

With refrence to Ricky on VCCTC and peer Counselors

The issue raised by DNP+ is very important since all of us know the real

situation prevailing at all the VCCTC across the Nation. VCCTC stands for

Voluntary Confidential Counseling and Testing center. The word Cofidential was

lately added to give more importance and to remove the stigma related to the

pandemic.

But in reality there is no confidentiality in the centers. Most of the centers

are manned by single counselors and that too are not paid regularly(therefore

every other month a new counselor is changed). The counselors are more

interested in filling the form rather than discussing, conforting and instilling

confidence in the client.

If Network of positive people is identified, Trained and taken as counselors at

VCCTC, it will provide a new dimension to the scenario.

Most of the people dont turn up for follow up visits due to their first visit

experiences. The Network people can understand the issues and social

determinants related to the pandemic and the client in a more progressive way.

A project of UNFPA for peer counselor was also started but the vacancy was not

filled at all the centers.

For PLWHA one of the most important link is the VCCTC and the counselor itself

as they are the guiding pillars for better rehabilitation.

Thanking You

Sincerely Yours.

Vijay K Rai

NGO Coordinator

3- B -9, JNV Colony

Bikaner

0151-2233144/ 2233146

E-mail: vrai@...

2005-07-23