Antiretroviral Therapy for HIV: Implementing the 2016 WHO Guidelines

Offered by ColumbiaX

Course Description

This comprehensive course focuses on equipping healthcare professionals with the latest knowledge and skills in HIV treatment and prevention. The course is designed to align with the World Health Organization's 2016 updated consolidated guidelines on the use of antiretroviral drugs in combating HIV.

What Students Will Learn

  • Key recommendations for HIV testing services, treatment, and prevention
  • Conducting initial evaluations and follow-ups for People Living with HIV (PLHIV)
  • The standard package of care for PLHIV
  • Adherence preparation, monitoring, and support techniques
  • Antiretroviral therapies for various age groups
  • Co-infection prevention and management strategies
  • Proper usage of antiretroviral drugs for post-exposure prophylaxis

Prerequisites

  • A degree in clinical medicine, nursing, pharmacy, or laboratory sciences
  • Basic training and clinical experience in HIV prevention, care, and treatment

Course Content

  • Updated WHO guidelines on antiretroviral therapy
  • HIV testing and diagnosis protocols
  • Patient evaluation and monitoring techniques
  • Comprehensive care packages for PLHIV
  • Strategies for ensuring patient adherence to treatment
  • Age-specific antiretroviral therapy approaches
  • Management of HIV co-infections
  • Post-exposure prophylaxis protocols

Target Audience

This intermediate-level course is designed for healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and laboratory technicians, who are involved in HIV care and treatment. It is particularly beneficial for those looking to update their knowledge and skills in line with the latest WHO guidelines.

Real-World Application

The skills acquired in this course will directly impact the quality of care provided to HIV patients. Healthcare professionals will be able to:

  • Implement the latest WHO guidelines in their clinical practice
  • Improve patient outcomes through better treatment and care strategies
  • Enhance HIV prevention efforts in their communities
  • Develop more effective adherence support programs
  • Manage complex cases involving co-infections and various age groups
  • Contribute to the global effort in combating the HIV epidemic

Syllabus Overview

  1. Introduction to the 2016 WHO Guidelines on antiretroviral therapy
  2. HIV testing and diagnosis
  3. Initial evaluation and follow-up of PLHIV
  4. Standard package of care for PLHIV
  5. Adherence preparation, monitoring, and support
  6. Antiretroviral therapies for different age groups
  7. Co-infection prevention and management
  8. Use of antiretroviral drugs for post-exposure prophylaxis

Course Format

This self-directed course is taught by clinical experts in HIV and global health, allowing students to learn at their own pace and accommodate their individual schedules. By completing this course, healthcare professionals will be well-equipped to provide cutting-edge HIV care and contribute significantly to the global fight against the HIV epidemic.