Provider-initiated counselling and testing (PICT): An overview

• Main Authors: Nondumiso Makhunga-Ramfolo, Thato Chidarikire, Thato Farirai, Refiloe Matji
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: AOSIS 2011-05-01
• Series: Southern African Journal of HIV Medicine
• Online Access: https://sajhivmed.org.za/index.php/hivmed/article/view/190

South Africa has the highest number of people living with HIV in the world. Despite this, many South Africans do not know their HIV status and uptake of voluntary counselling and testing (VCT) has been suboptimal. In clinical settings there are many missed opportunities for HIV diagnosis as most patients are not routinely offered HIV counselling and testing (HCT). Provider-initiated counselling and testing (PICT) has been introduced to ensure that HCT becomes the standard of care in all consultations with health providers. PICT promotes universal access to prevention, care and treatment services for all clients by increasing the utilisation and acceptance of HCT services. This article outlines the rationale for PICT as well providing an overview of the implementation protocol that will equip health care providers with the knowledge required to integrate HCT into routine medical care.