In 2005, Ubuntu began providing comprehensive VCT and access to ART services at KwaZakhele Day Hospital. To date, Ubuntu has also more than doubled the number of people accessing VCT at KwaZakhele Day Hospital. One professional nurse and two full-time counselors provide VCT, risk reduction and treatment counselling to clients testing seropositive to assist with partner referrals, reduce onward transmission and ensure access to PMTCT and ART. Clients testing seropositive receive immediate CD4 testing and are enrolled in the treatment readiness programme if indicated.

The Department of Health Steering Committee for ARV Rollout has recognized Ubuntu as an operational partner to assist with implementation and scale-up in greater Port Elizabeth. Furthermore, the District and Provincial Departments of Health fully support our strategy to work with and capacitate public clinics and hospitals to support VCT uptake and ART rollout.

Due to community demand, Ubuntu will provide VCT on site at our offices beginning in 2008. Many community members came to our offices seeking VCT services after being turned away from local clinics due to lack of staff or other resources.