HORIZONS PROJECT
Cooperative Project with WHO to Produce a Review of VCT Programs for Youth

As voluntary counseling and HIV testing (VCT) becomes more widely available, there is increasing interest in adapting VCT services for youth. Horizons and the International Center for Research on Women (ICRW) undertook a review of VCT and youth in developing countries, with support from the World Health Organization. A report was produced that assesses the available evidence and presents the available data to date on the impact of VCT among youth, what kinds of services are needed, how policy and stigma affect access, and how VCT can be connected to other health resources, including care.

Recommendations from the review include:

• Conduct research to confirm whether youth in developing countries adopt safer behaviors after VCT.
• Provide youth-friendly services targeted to their specific needs, both VCT and other (e.g., care).
• Provide a range of service approaches, including nonclinic testing locations, to reach different kinds of youth.
• Consult experienced providers about establishing a legal age for testing without parental consent that is based on the situations they have witnessed.
• Develop referral networks to provide ongoing help to adolescents.

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Location

Global

Duration

February 2003–December 2004

Horizons and Population Council researchers

Ellen Weiss, Ann McCauley

Non-Council collaborators

International Center for Research on Women

World Health Organization

Donor

US Agency for International Development

Publications/Resources
Horizons and Population Council researchers' names appear in boldface type. 

2004
McCauley, Ann P. “Equitable access to HIV counseling and testing for youth in developing countries: A review of current practice,” Horizons Report. Washington, DC: Population Council. (PDF)

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See Also

• Horizons Program

• FRONTIERS Program

• HIV and AIDS

• HIV and AIDS/Prevention

• HIV and AIDS/Stigma and Discrimination

• HIV and AIDS/Youth

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