Many assume that they will be seropositive, because of previous sexual partners, when they are in fact seronegative. Knowledge of their seronegative status is a great impetus to then remain negative. By offering HIV testing in the community we are thus able to help many people who test seronegative to stay negative. However it is also important to offer continuing support, both medical and emotional, for those who test seropositive. Although many people think that it will be difficult telling people that they have had a test, with the help of the counsellor most people were able to tell someone about their test and many people were able to bring their partners for testing.
Counselling does promote safer sex.
This means that HIV seronegative people can stay negative and HIV seropositive people can prevent transmission to other people. Women still face considerable barriers because of gender inequalities in sexual decision making. It is a cheap and popular intervention. Kara clients were much more likely to return for follow up and to take the TBPT as prescribed. Funding is being sought to establish whether the 6 month TBPT regime or a longer regime is more beneficial.