Introduction

South Africa has the biggest and most high profile HIV epidemic in According to the 2016 UNAIDS report, South Africa had 270 000 (240 000 - 290 000) new HIV infections and 110 000 (88 000 - 140 000) AIDS-related deaths. There were 7 100 000 (6 400 000 - 7 800 000) people living with HIV in 2016, among whom 56% (50% - 61%) were accessing antiretroviral therapy. Among pregnant women living with HIV, >95% (76% - >95%) were accessing treatment or prophylaxis to prevent transmission of HIV to their children. An estimated 12 000 (9600 - 22 000) children were newly infected with HIV due to mother-to-child transmission. Among people living with HIV, approximately 45% (41% - 50%) had suppressed viral loads.

Among the key populations most affected by HIV in South Africa are:

• Sex workers, with an HIV prevalence of 57.7%.
• Gay men and other men who have sex with men, with an HIV prevalence of 26.8%.

Since 2010, new HIV infections have decreased by 49% and AIDS-related deaths have decreased by 29%.

To address the HIV epidemic, the National Strategic Plan for HIV, TB and STIs 2017–2022 aims to accelerate progress towards meeting the Fast-Track Targets by: reducing new HIV infections; improving treatment, care and support; reaching key and vulnerable populations; and addressing the social and structural drivers of HIV, tuberculosis and sexually transmitted infections and implementing the standardised training for health care professionals and community health workers. It is through FPD’s HIV/AIDS and TB training that the health care professionals will have the opportunity to enroll and upskill their knowledge. The training is offered as an open enrolment, distance and online education.

Who Should Enroll

All healthcare professionals who need to acquire knowledge on the management of this condition as a matter of urgency.

Course Design

This is an online course, participants have 3 months to complete the assessment component from date of registration.

Course Content

The following modules are covered in this short course:

• Epidemiology and prevention of HIV infection
• Pathogenesis of HIV infection
• Diagnosis of HIV infection
• Monitoring HIV disease: laboratory markers
• Clinical features of HIV disease
• Opportunistic infections
• Neurological conditions
• Neoplasms
• Antiretroviral management of HIV infection
• Palliative care
• Nutrition in HIV infection
• HIV infection in children
• Compliance
• Pre and post test counselling
• HIV and infant feeding
• Post exposure prophylaxis
• Sexually transmitted infections and HIV
• Developing vaccines against HIV and AIDS
• HIV / AIDS in the workplace

Various additional resources are provided as well.

Assessment

Participants are assessed on the self-study component of the course through means of a multiple-choice questionnaire.

Accreditation

Accredited according to the HPCSA’s Medical and Dental Board Guidelines for Health Care Professionals for 30 CEU’s on Level 2.

Certification

To qualify for the certificate of completion for this short course, participants should fully attend the workshop as well as successfully complete the assessment process.

Course Fee

R 3 800.00 (Inclusive of all VAT and Taxes where applicable)

Contact

For more information contact:

School of Health Sciences