Using HIV Voluntary Counseling and Testing Data for Monitoring the Uganda HIV Epidemic, 1992???2000

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Abstract
To assess trends in the prevalence of HIV infection among voluntary counseling and testing (VCT) clients in Uganda and to describe the utility of VCT data for monitoring the HIV epidemic in 1992–2000. We analyzed routinely collected data from first-time VCT clients not reporting illness as a reason for testing. We developed a model adjusting for test site, couple testing, and premarital testing, assessed trends in adjusted prevalence of HIV infection and shifts in age-specific peak prevalence, and compared antenatal clinic (ANC) surveillance data and VCT prevalence trends. Among 201,741 clients, adjusted prevalence of HIV infection declined from 23% in 1992 to 13% in 2000 (P P In Uganda, the prevalence of HIV infection among male and female VCT clients declined from 1992 to 2000, similar to ANC surveillance data, but did not decline in older age groups. In regions with well-established VCT programs, VCT data may provide a useful and convenient tool for monitoring the HIV epidemic.