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Nazret, Ethiopia, is on a busy trucking route between Addis Ababa and Djibouti, and sex workers commonly work
there. An estimated 18.7 per cent of adults in the area are HIV positive. To better understand and address this high prevalence, the Family Guidance Association of Ethiopia started
offering VCT two days a week at its reproductive health clinic in Nazret, which serves about 100 clients each day.
Discussions with community members and providers
revealed a need for VCT integrated with other services. Some clients said they would not visit the existing, freestanding VCT centres because of the stigma associated with them, but
would use VCT services if offered at the reproductive health clinic. Plans were developed for testing, pre- and post-test counselling, community education on HIV prevention, treatment
for the most common opportunistic infections, and referrals for further care and support.
Clinic staff were given training on HIV/AIDS, and nurses
were also trained to diagnose and treat STIs. A community-based service to distribute condoms was established, and outreach workers were trained to promote their use. Local
institutions were involved in creating mechanisms to provide medical, social and economic support for clients who test positive. Monitoring and evaluation systems were also developed.
More than half the VCT clients are men, and 43 per cent
are young people. Approximately 20 per cent of the tests are positive, a prevalence rate similar to those found at other VCT providers in the area. See Sources
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