Title: Impact of Voluntary HIV/AIDs Counselling Strategies and Testing Services among Adolescents
Authors: Bukhari Abubakar Adam
Musa Ahmed Abubakar
Volume: 10
Issue: 5
Pages: 250-254
Publication Date: 2026/05/28
Abstract:
Adolescents contribute substantially to new HIV infections globally, yet many remain unaware of their HIV status. Voluntary HIV counselling and testing (VHCT) provides an opportunity for early diagnosis, behaviour change, and linkage to treatment services. A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted using studies published between 2012 and 2025 retrieved from PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, Web of Science, and Global Health databases, alongside manual journal searches. Eligible studies evaluated voluntary HIV testing that included pre-test counselling, HIV testing, and post-test counselling with measurable behavioural or clinical outcomes. Seventeen studies met inclusion criteria. Outcomes assessed included sexual risk behaviour, HIV knowledge, HIV incidence, linkage to care, mental health outcomes, and social effects of HIV status disclosure. Findings indicated that VHCT significantly reduced unsafe sexual practices and improved condom use among adolescents and high-risk populations. Counselling interventions contributed to improved risk awareness and engagement with HIV services. However, challenges such as stigma, inadequate counselling quality, and limited adolescent-specific interventions were identified. VHCT services are effective in promoting safer sexual behaviours and improving early HIV detection among adolescents. Expanding access to youth-friendly counselling services and strengthening implementation strategies are essential for achieving global HIV prevention goals.