The VCT Centre (Voluntary Counselling and Testing Centre) became part of the Mary Immaculate Clinic, Mukuru Promotion Centre, in 2000 as a response to the HIV/AIDS epidemic affecting Kenya at the time.
At the beginning of the 2000s, the prevalence of HIV/AIDS in Kenya was extremely high, affecting nearly 10% of the population. The establishment of the VCT Centre contributed significantly to the national effort to combat HIV through prevention, early diagnosis, timely initiation of treatment, and continuous patient monitoring.
The centre has played an important role in increasing awareness, reducing stigma, encouraging voluntary testing, and ensuring access to life-saving antiretroviral therapy. Through these efforts, it has helped improve health outcomes and quality of life for thousands of people living with HIV.
Today, the prevalence of HIV in Kenya has declined to approximately 3.3%, reflecting the impact of sustained prevention, treatment, and community-based healthcare programmes across the country.
Over the years, the centre has received several awards and recognitions for its contribution to the fight against HIV/AIDS and its commitment to improving public health in Kenya.
The project provides healthcare services to patients from the surrounding Mukuru slums. This healthcare is provided to patients for minimal fees.
The VCT Centre is managed by St. Elizabeth University of Health and Social Work. Two local staff members work at the centre, and a Slovak physician attends the HIV clinic once a week to monitor all patients enrolled in the programme.
The centre provides counselling and services to almost 20 patients per day. It also monitors HIV patients under its care and provides them with comprehensive healthcare, including medical check-ups, treatment initiation, and treatment monitoring.
The centre provides services to both children and adults, with special attention given to young people.
