The Civil Society Hub Organization (CSO-Hub) Secretariat, with technical support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the University of Belize (UB), hosted an HIV Rapid Testing and Counselling Training for civil society stakeholders from 17 – 21 May 2021 in Belize City.  The training focused on building capacity to implement rapid HIV testing interventions with limited human resources.

The course was designed to provide guidelines and skill-building opportunities to potential HIV testers.  This involved training participants in identifying strategies to support clients in making behaviour changes that would reduce the risk of acquiring or transmitting HIV.

Participants were also involved in practical sessions on the six (6) steps of prevention counselling.

Capacity building was also provided on HIV counselling, the HIV rapid test algorithm, finger prick and blood collection, safety at the HIV testing site, record keeping, quality assurance of HIV rapid testing, quality control, proficiency testing and professional ethics.

The initiative forms part of Belize’s National AIDS Programme, which aims to significantly reduce HIV infections among the most vulnerable populations.

Image: Executive Director, National AIDS Commission (NAC) Belize, Enrique Romero, delivering opening remarks during the HIV Rapid Testing Workshop