To respond to the need for more trained and proficient HIV counselors and health care providers,RITM, through its Medical Department, held a two-day training on Basic HIV Orientation and Pre/Post-test Counseling on March 29-30, 2019 at the Philippine Society for Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (PSMID) Office.

Attended by thirty participants from both medical and non-medical backgrounds, the training provided the latest information on HIV epidemiology, testing, disease mechanism, holistic treatment, and control and prevention strategies — all of which needs to be communicated carefully and accurately during patient/client counseling and health teaching. The training also provided the participants with the latest policies and guidelines in the conduct of HIV testing in the Philippines.

Three more batches of the training will be conducted on April 26-27, June 14-15, and August 16-17,  respectively.

According to the World Health Organization, the rapid global scale-up of HIV testing and counselling (HTC) done in various service delivery points located in health facilities, stand-alone sites, mobile, community- and home- based settings calls for urgent provision of updated guidance and training for health care providers who give HIV counseling regularly. Continuous conduct of these trainings will ensure that these facilities continue to provide HTC services that meet the needs of the clients according to resources and national guidelines.

by JA Quinto, Communication and Engagement Office