The process of VCT includes three parts: pre-test consultation, HIV antibody screening and testing, and post-test consultation.
Voluntary counseling and testing for AIDS can not only find, treat and prevent HIV infection as early as possible, but also provide psychological support for counseling seekers, especially HIV-infected people, and encourage counseling seekers to reduce unsafe behaviors and prevent the spread of HIV, which is conducive to the development of AIDS prevention and control work.
It is suggested that people with high-risk behaviors receive voluntary counseling and testing for AIDS after 4 weeks of high-risk behaviors. In China, VCT clinics, some medical institutions and social organizations can carry out voluntary counseling and testing for AIDS. No matter what the test results are, we should follow the guidance of professionals for the next step.
The Law of People's Republic of China (PRC) on the Protection of Minors (revised in 2020) clearly states that schools and kindergartens should provide sex education suitable for minors. VCT-related knowledge is one of the important contents of comprehensive education, and understanding relevant knowledge is conducive to reducing the risk of HIV infection among children and adolescents.
In recent years, the amount of HIV testing in VCT clinics in China is on the rise, but its utilization rate is still low, and many HIV-infected people have not yet known their infection status. At present, AIDS-related detection technology is developing towards a more accurate, faster and shorter window. Popularizing VCT knowledge requires the participation of people from all walks of life.