Health Management of an HIV Testing and Counseling Center: Nursing Contributions

Abstract

Objectives: to analyze the role of nursing in the establishment of an HIV/AIDS Testing and Counseling Center in a Brazilian municipality. Methods: a historical study utilizing primary sources, including documents and oral accounts, involving a total of ten participants. The study encompasses the years 1997 and 1998. The research took place at the Testing and Counseling Center in São João de Meriti. Data was collected from March to May 2022. Results: nursing made significant contributions through the development of training initiatives led by nurses, who were also responsible for individual and group counseling, as well as HIV testing requests. Final Considerations: nursing played a crucial role in the center and in the management of Sexually Transmitted Infections, being involved in all stages of treatment in accordance with current public health policy.