Introduction

COVID-19 has changed the profile and importance of many diseases in the world. WHO declared TB a worldwide emergency already in 1993 and together with HIV has ranked as major cause of morbidity and mortality in Africa for the last decade and more. Yet, with the arrival of COVID-19, the focus has rapidly shifted. Attention and resources have been diverted to contain the new epidemic. However, TB and HIV cannot be neglected as both conditions affect individuals’ immune system and as such would make them more vulnerable to COVID-19 infection and disease. In view of this the HIV and TB for Health Care Professionals in the Era of COVID-19 Short Course has been designed and developed to ensure that all health care providers are up to speed with the latest developments and treatment modalities available for HIV positive and TB patients and providing essential information on the management of COVID-19 in such patients.

Course Design

This course is an e-Learning course consisting of three modules each of approximately 1-2 hour duration. Learning modalities will consist of narrated power point presentations by subject experts, video recordings, Quizzes, further reading material and relevant articles, infographics and reflection points.

Learning Outcomes

1. Describe new developments in the treatment and management of HIV
2. Discuss the various HIV prevention modalities available and their specific indication
3. Discuss the importance of treatment adherence for all chronic conditions in the era of COVID-19, with a focus on TB and HIV medication
4. Compare the global picture of new TB cases with the prevalence and incidence in Southern Africa
5. Discuss the treatment options available for DS TB and DR TB
6. Explain and compare the various options of dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic at a strategic level and discuss in detail the preferred option/s applicable to Africa
7. Implement a COVID-19 treatment and care programme in your facility with the information and knowledge gained from clinical experts in the field.

Course Content

The following study units are included in this short course:
HIV and COVID:
Engagement time: 90 minutes online

1. Overview of HIV, epidemiology, global picture, South African and African context
2. Immunology, clinical picture, staging, new developments
3. Current treatment guidelines, ART’s , adverse effects, contra-indications
4. PMTCT, other prevention modalities, PrEP, etc.
5. Monitoring and recording, public health perspective
6. HIV and COVID
7. Importance of adherence to chronic medication in the context of HIV

1. Overview of TB, epidemiology, global initiatives to end TB strategy
2. SA and African context, TB and HIV, find the missing TB cases strategy
3. Clinical picture and treatment, adverse effects
4. TB preventive treatment (TPT)
5. Monitoring and recording
6. Special groups – DR TB and TB in pregnancy
7. TB and COVID
8. Importance of adherence to TB medication amidst the COVID pandemic

1. Overview, global picture, epidemiology
2. South African and African context – Lockdown: pro’s and con’s
3. Clinical picture, Treatment options
4. Protection of HCWs and public
5. The way forward

Assessment

Participants are required to complete multiple choice questionnaires after each module and a score of at least 70% is required to qualify for a certificate of completion

Sponsorship

This course has been made available through generous sponsorship from Johnson & Johnson

Time

The minimum period for completion is 6 hours

Certification

FPD will award successful participants with a certificate on completion of this course should they successfully complete the assessment process.

Accreditation

Accredited according to the HPCSA’s Medical and Dental Board Guidelines for Healthcare Professionals for 9 Clinical CEU’s on Level 2