Training HIV/AIDS care teams in Mozambique: The Columbia University MTCT-Plus Initiative
M Rabkin1, M Micek2, S Gimbel-Sherr2, J Cohn3, E Metadiane4
1Columbia University, New York, United States; 2Health Alliance International, Seattle, United States; 3Wayne State University, Detroit, United States; 4Ministry of Health, Beira, Mozambique
Issues: MTCT-Plus provides multidisciplinary HIV/AIDS care to families in resource-poor settings: supplying clinical protocols; supporting staff, infrastructure, laboratory and patient costs; procuring drugs and supplies; and assisting with site monitoring and data management. The Initiative also conducts competency-based training for program staff. One of the first MTCT-Plus programs is located in Beira, Mozambique; we describe the training experience in year one.
Description: In 1/03 the multidisciplinary team attended a 6-day on-site foundation training. Trainees included MOH-affiliated Mozambican physicians, nurses and medical officers, pharmacy staff, counselors and outreach workers. Trainers included a multidisciplinary group of physicians, nurses, and community activists from the U.S. and Brazil. Local PWAs participated in a panel discussion about stigma and discrimination. In 7/03, the team attended a follow-up training, at which international trainers were joined by Mozambican clinicians from the MOH and from a partner HIV/AIDS treatment program (MSF) based in Maputo. By 1/04, plans were underway for a second MTCT-Plus site in Chimoio, and staff from Beira played a critical role in training. Chimoio trainees were able to visit the Beira site for clinical shadowing and practicum experiences, while physicians, nurses, counselors and PWAs from Beira joined international experts to help train their colleagues in Chimoio.
Lessons learned/ recommendations: (1) On-site whole-team training promotes interdisciplinary communication and partnership; (2) As clinical experience accumulates, trainees can rapidly be used as trainers for new HIV/AIDS treatment centers if support and protected time for training are provided; (3) Partnership among HIV/AIDS care programs enhances training, as practical locally-specific lessons learned are shared.
Portuguese-language training materials are available from mtctplus@columbia.edu.
The XV International AIDS Conference
Abstract no. WePeE6719
Suggested Citation
" M Rabkin , , et al. Training HIV/AIDS care teams in Mozambique: The Columbia University MTCT-Plus Initiative. Poster Exhibition: The XV International AIDS Conference: Abstract no. WePeE6719"