Browsing by Author "Mrina, Yovitha simon"

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    Utilization of voluntary counseling and testing for HIV and AIDS among students of higher learning institutions: the case of selected institutions in Dar es Salaam city
    (University of Dar es Salaam, 2009) Mrina, Yovitha simon
    Voluntary Counseling and Testing (VCT) for HIV and AIDS has been one of the campaigns against the spread of HIV in Tanzania. VCT advocates argue that this method is a corner-stone for early access to prevention as well as to care and support services. It is not known, however, to what extent VCT services for HIV and AIDS are made available to students in higher learning institutions. Besides their availability and extent of utilization, the services are not known. The purpose of this study was to investigate the utilization pattern of VCT for HIV and AIDS services among students in higher learning institutions in Dar es Salaam city. Six universities located in Dar es Salaam were selected for this study. Data was collected through questionnaires, observations and document reviews. The study reveals that attendance of VCT services for HIV and AIDS is not yet a common practice among intellectuals and university students in particular since services available are yet to be utilized effectively. Some university students did not even know if such services were available for them, despite national campaigns for testing HIV and AIDS spearheaded by the Honorable Mrisho Jakaya Kikwete, President of the United Republic of Tanzania in 2007. It is recommended that basic facts about HIV and AIDS be taught as a core courses for university students to take during the degree programme course as are other courses such as Communication Skills and Development Studies.