Abstract

PIP: This article discusses the improvement of HIV counseling services in El Salvador despite the existence of the continuing stigma of HIV infection. In the past, the knowledge and inclination of health care personnel dictated whether or not HIV patients receive any kind of counseling. It was unfortunate that most hospital members did not know how to counsel or even recognize the need for counseling. As such, the Ministry of Health recognized this need, and requested assistance from the Implementing AIDS Care and Prevention project of the Family Health International, which resulted in voluntary counseling and testing training among health care professionals. This change and improvement in the quality of handling by health professionals ensures that other HIV positive patients are spared from the trauma and shame that one HIV positive patient experienced.