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Using gender analysis to build voluntary counselling and testing responses in Kenya
M Taegtmeyer1, N Kilonzo, L Mung'ala
1Liverpool VCT Centre, Nairobi, Kenya. miriamt2000@yahoo.com
Transactions of the Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene
|October 11, 2005
Summary
Women are underrepresented in HIV voluntary counselling and testing (VCT) services in Kenya, despite higher vulnerability. Strategies are needed to ensure equitable access and utilization of VCT for all genders.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Gender Studies
- HIV/AIDS Research
Background:
- Sub-Saharan Africa's rapid expansion of voluntary counselling and testing (VCT) for HIV raises concerns about service quality and equity.
- Kenya has experienced significant scale-up of VCT services, offering valuable lessons at multiple levels.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze gender disparities in VCT utilization in Kenya.
- To demonstrate how gender analysis can inform equitable VCT scale-up strategies.
Main Methods:
- Combined quantitative and qualitative research methodologies.
- Conducted a gender-disaggregated analysis of VCT client data (January-August 2003).
- Performed in-depth qualitative research with men and women to understand gender differences.
Main Results:
- Women were underrepresented in Kenyan VCT sites across all settings, despite increased HIV vulnerability.
- Women were less likely than men to use or take home condoms after VCT visits.
- Qualitative data provided insights into the reasons for these gender differences.
Conclusions:
- There is a persistent need to integrate gender considerations into VCT monitoring and evaluation.
- Ensuring services meet the needs of all population groups is crucial for effective HIV prevention and care.
- Addressing gender inequity is essential for optimizing VCT program impact.