Rapid operation assessment of voluntary HIV counselling and testing services in three cities in China, 2009

ObjectivesTo assess the operation of voluntary counselling and testing (VCT) services for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in three cities in China.Study designA cross-sectional study using mixed methods, including focus group discussions, in-depth interviews, field assessment, archive checking and structured questionnaire interviews, was conducted to assess different aspects of VCT services.MethodsSurveys were undertaken in six counties of three China Global Fund AIDS Program (Round Five) cities, including 11 VCT clinics, 38 counsellors, 83 clients and 332 individuals at risk for HIV infection.ResultsAll counsellors were trained and approved for providing counselling. As there were adequate numbers of clinics and counsellors, VCT services ran smoothly. Clients were generally satisfied with VCT services and considered service operation to be adequate. Problems with the VCT programme included fewer VCT services in general hospitals, lack of a referral mechanism, and long delays between testing and receipt of results.ConclusionsThe operation of VCT services in the three cities was generally adequate, but referral services were poor. More attention needs to be paid to HIV testing and counselling in general hospitals, and referral networks need to be strengthened.