This service, in cooperation with 13 civil associations and 10 healthcare institutions, provides voluntary counselling and testing (VCT) for HIV for the vulnerable and marginalised groups in 11 towns across the country and, if so required, in smaller towns and villages as well, primarily to the young population, men who have sex with men and LGBTI community, people who inject drugs, male and female sex workers and male and female prisoners.
In our two adequately equipped vans, clients can voluntarily, confidentially and free of charge:
– be informed about the HIV risk and prevention (pre-test counselling)
– find out their HIV status (utilising rapid HIV testing based on whole blood finger-prick samples, returning results in just 30 minutes)
– be informed how to reduce the risk of HIV infection transmission in the future, get support and be referred to a psychosocial support service for people living with HIV, if so required (post-test counselling)
– receive condoms, lubricants and information materials
Confidentiality of the conversation and of the test results are guaranteed, and everybody is offered equal treatment irrespectively of their HIV status, social status, education, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, ethnic or religious affiliation, disability or any other characteristics.
Apart from our “I Want To Know” Youth Centres, HIV counseling and testing services in North Macedonia are confidential and available free of charge in the following organisations and health facilities.
