Strategies to boost the uptake of voluntary counselling and testing (VCT) by university students

Abstract

Voluntary counselling and testing (VCT) is internationally recognised as a gateway to HIV prevention, care and treatment. However, VCT uptake among university students is still low. As there is presently no cure for HIV/AIDS, strategies to boost VCT uptake among university students are critically important. This study explored the strategies to improve the uptake of VCT by university students. The study employed an exploratory and descriptive qualitative study. Focus group discussions (FGD) and field notes were used to collect data. Analysis was done using thematic analysis. The study revealed that VCT services uptake for university students could be improved by increased resource allocation (incentives, human and infrastructural resources), increased awareness campaigns, and improved counselling and making VCT services more accessible.