Counselling and linkage to care through referral are the core components of CBVCT. Both interventions also have a public health effect by supporting health-protective behaviours and lowering overall infection risk at the population level. They are pivotal points in the continuum of care. Ideally, a person with a new HIV infection is diagnosed as soon as possible, linked to specialised HIV care, retained in that care, receives anti-retroviral treatment and achieves viral suppression.
