AEGiS-14IAC: Human immunodeficiency virus certificated course for Southern Africa.

14th International AIDS Conference

Barcelona, Spain - July 7-12, 2002

Human immunodeficiency virus certificated course for Southern Africa.

Int Conf AIDS 2002 Jul 7-12; 14:(abstract no. G12524)

Martin DJ, Wolvaardt GG
University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa

ISSUES: The extent of the HIV epidemic in Southern Africa and the increasing demand for the use of antiretroviral therapy created the need for a recognized course in HIV Medicine in Southern Africa. As antiretroviral drugs are not used routinely in the South African public hospital sector, doctors qualify from medical schools not having had any experience in their use.

DESCRIPTION: Following the provision of seed money from the International AIDS Society (IAS) and the X111 Interantional AIDS Conference (AIDS 2000, Durban 2000), the Foundation for Professional Development, the education arm of the South African Medical Association, and the Southern African HIV Clinicians Society embarked on a programme of education on HIV Medicine for healthcare professionals in Southern Africa. The IAS Share Programme, which was formulated for use in developing countries particularly Southern Africa, was modified for use in South Africa. Utilizing the manuals together with a three-day workshop, courses were conducted in various centers throughout the Southern African region.

ISSUES: In the three months September to end December 2001, 1 050 healthcare professionals, mostly doctors, were trained. In this period demand for the course exceeded supply. The courses have been very well received by both the private and public sector medical healthcare professionals.

RECOMMENDATIONS: It is anticipated that in 2002, at least a further 1 000 - 1500 doctors will be trained. Local experts have requested that the course provide expanded information on: Prevention of mother-to-child transmission Pre and post-test counseling Case Studies with regard to opportunistic infections, especially tuberculosis (very prevalent in South Africa) Post exposure prophylaxis and Sexual Assault (also very prevalent in South Africa) Paediatrics Local experts in these fields are presently compiling this information for inclusion in the course material.

Keywords: AEGIS, Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, HIV Infections, Africa, Southern, Disease Outbreaks, South Africa, Tuberculosis, Developing Countries, Health Services Needs and Demand, Research, Child, Human

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G12524