Sudan's first free HIV/AIDS voluntary counselling and testing (VCT) centre is being established in the southern garrison town of Juba.
Simona Seravesi, the HIV/AIDS inter-agency focal point in Juba, told the UN news service, PlusNews, that the centre could be fully operational by the end of March, with possible testing available even earlier.
The centre is in the process of being equipped, and guidelines are being written in preparation for training six local counsellors.
Seravesi said the initial focus would be on prevention, with an emphasis on researching high-risk groups around Juba, and local traditional customs and beliefs that are instrumental in spreading the HI virus.
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