HIV Counselling and Testing Services (HCTS)

Counselling is a fundamental aspect of HIV services, providing individuals with the necessary knowledge, support, and resources to make informed choices about testing, safeguarding themselves against HIV transmission, and managing the emotional and social aspects of living with HIV. Equally important is the quality of HIV testing, which is vital for accurate diagnosis. In India, our approach to HIV Counselling and Testing Services is structured around two main components: Screening Services and Confirmatory Services.
The processes of HIV screening and confirmation are distinct but interconnected. Screening is the initial step, using rapid diagnostic kits to detect HIV antibodies or antigens in blood, typically providing results within 20-30 minutes, complemented by brief counselling sessions. Confirmation, on the other hand, involves additional testing to eliminate any false-positive results from screening, ensuring a conclusive diagnosis.

Elimination of Vertical Transmission of HIV & Syphilis (EVTHS)

The Elimination of Vertical Transmission of HIV and Syphilis (EVTHS) interventions, a cornerstone initiative under the National AIDS & STD Control Program (NACP) in close collaboration with NHM, exemplifies India’s commitment to maternal and child health. Launched in 2002 for HIV and expanded in 2015 to include syphilis, these comprehensive interventions aim to prevent vertical transmission of these infections during pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding. With the ambitious goals of achieving global 95-95-95 targets by 2026 and ending the AIDS epidemic by 2030, EVTHS is integral to India’s public health strategy.

The collaboration between the National AIDS Control Programme (NACP) and the National Health Mission (NHM) is vital for eliminating vertical transmission of HIV and Syphilis. This initiative integrates comprehensive screening, treatment, and care services for pregnant women, ensuring essential support for both mother and child. The interventions emphasizes universal HIV and Syphilis testing of pregnant women, early treatment of infected women, and effective monitoring throughout pregnancy, along with early diagnosis and management of exposed infants. Additionally, it promotes awareness and prevention among women of reproductive age, encouraging healthy timing and spacing of pregnancies for women living with HIV. By focusing on early detection, timely treatment, and comprehensive care, the EVTHS interventions under NACP Phase V aim to create a healthier future generation in India, free from the burden of vertically transmitted infections.

Guidelines & Documents

S.NO.	Title	Attachment File	Date
	HCTS Guideline 2024_14.05.2025	Download	September 2024
	EVTHS Guideline 2024	Download	September 2024
	EVTHS comprehensive training module and agenda	Download	02 August 2024
	Facilitator Guide_NACP Counsellors	Download	April 2024
	COMPILED COUNSELLORS HANDBOOK revised	Download	October 2023
	Training Module Counsellors	Download	October 2023
	Approved Technical Specification for HIV and Syphilis	Download	18 December 2024
	2nd Cut_SSS Operational Guidelines_vFinal	Download	August 2023
	SSS process documentatation Report	Download	N/A

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