Guidelines For Counselling About Hiv Infection And Disease Who Aids Series 8

The present guidelines have been prepared to provide counselors, health care workers, and others with a model for use in counseling people affected directly or indirectly by Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS). The guidelines describe the nature, role, and principles of counseling, the psychosocial repercussions of HIV infection and associated disease, and special situations in which counseling is indicated. Whatever the overall HIV/AIDS prevention and control strategy, counseling should be a major integral part. The specific counseling activities will depend on the individuals and groups to be addressed, the content to be emphasized, and the manner in which counseling is to be provided. The booklet's introduction describes the three AIDS-related epidemics. Clinical manifestations, transmission, global epidemiological patterns, and prevention control activities are discussed. The target audiences for HIV/AIDS counseling, where the counseling can be provided, and by whom and why are discussed. The main functions of counseling: prevention, and psychosocial support are then presented. Requirements of counseling, including essential features of counseling, and counseling activities are examined. The components of counseling before and after HIV testing or screening are differentiated and the needs of significant others are defined. Special issues such as pregnancy, infants with suspected HIV infection, breast-feeding, children in school, HIV-infected children with hemophilia, and the workplace are also discussed. (LLL)