Abstract
This study examined the determinants of HIV counseling and Testing (HCT) uptake among young people who are undergoing the youth service programme in western Nigeria. A cross-sectional study of 300 youth corpers randomly selected across three local Government areas responded to the self-administered instruments. Findings revealed 68% are single with a sizable number co-habiting with opposite sex. Although, awareness of HIV /AIDS and knowledge of route of transmission, measures of prevention are high (84%), the level of perceived vulnerability to the risk of infection is low, as only 23% considered themselves vulnerable to HIV infection. In addition, awareness of HCT services and willingness to accept HIV test is equally low. The study concluded that a comprehensive training module on HCT needs to be included in the training curricula for the UNICEF/HIV/AIDS educators who are incidentally the youth corpers. In particular, more emphasis should focus on sexual behaviour that increases youths’ vulnerability, benefits of HCT and assist them to internalize the risk of HIV so that they can take preventive measures against spread of new infections.