Background Free voluntary counselling and testing (VCT) interventions improve access to HIV and sexually transmitted infections (STI)–prevention, particularly for underserved populations. In 2023, Zurich (Switzerland) introduced a pilot programme offering free VCT for young people and low-income residents. This study explores healthcare professionals′ (HCPs) experiences implementing the programme, focusing on perceived benefits, barriers, and opportunities for improvement. Methods We conducted a qualitative descriptive study with 12 HCPs from two participating clinics. Data collection included semi–structured interviews and semi–quantitative ranking activities to prioritise perceived barriers and hardly reached population groups were analysed using inductive thematic analysis and data frame comparison. Standards for reporting qualitative research guidelines (SRQR) informed reporting. Results HCPs viewed the programme as an effective entry point into sexual healthcare for young people and first–time testers, particularly due to the removal of financial barriers. Counselling was seen as its most important component, promoting knowledge–sharing and early engagement in preventative healthcare. The programme successfully reached well–informed, highly educated individuals. However, key high–risk groups — including vocational students, conservative individuals, asylum seekers, and those under 18 — were not well reached. Reported barriers included stigma, misinformation, and long appointment waiting times. HCPs recommended improved outreach to vocational schools, more inclusive educational materials, and mobile testing initiatives to improve accessibility. Conclusion HCPs consider free VCT programmes a critical tool for equitable access to sexual healthcare. However, to maximise their reach and impact, targeted, context–sensitive strategies are needed to engage underserved and high–risk populations more effectively.
Arns-Glaser et al. (Sat,) studied this question.