HIV/AIDS Care and Counselling

(Capacity Building Course)

1. Introduction

HIV/AIDS remains a significant public health challenge globally, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Effective care and counselling are essential for prevention, treatment adherence, and psychosocial support of those living with or affected by HIV/AIDS.

This training course provides comprehensive knowledge and practical skills for healthcare providers, counsellors, social workers, and community-based personnel to offer high-quality HIV/AIDS care and counselling services, reduce stigma, and promote public health outcomes.

 

2. Objectives

By the end of this training, participants will:

• Understand the medical, psychological, and social aspects of HIV/AIDS
• Provide accurate HIV/AIDS information and testing support
• Offer effective pre-test and post-test counselling
• Support adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART)
• Address stigma, discrimination, and ethical issues in HIV care
• Provide psychosocial support to individuals, families, and affected communities

 

3. Targeted Group

This course is designed for:

• Healthcare workers (nurses, doctors, clinical officers)
• Counsellors and psychologists
• Social workers and community health workers
• Peer educators and outreach workers
• NGO/CSO personnel involved in HIV programs
• Teachers and youth advocates
• Religious and community leaders
• Students in health and social sciences

 

4. Course Duration

• Total Duration: 4 weeks (64 contact hours)
• Schedule: 4 sessions per week × 4 hours per session
• Mode: In-person / Online / Hybrid
• Methodology: Interactive lectures, role plays, group discussions, case studies, skills practice, guest speakers (PLHIV)

 

5. Course Content

Module 1: Introduction to HIV and AIDS

• Overview of the virus and disease
• Global and local epidemiology

Module 2: Modes of Transmission and Risk Factors

• Sexual, perinatal, blood-borne, and occupational transmission
• Myths and misconceptions

Module 3: HIV Testing and Diagnosis

• Voluntary Counselling and Testing (VCT)
• Provider-Initiated Testing and Counselling (PITC)

Module 4: Pre-Test and Post-Test Counselling

• Principles and processes
• Informed consent and confidentiality

Module 5: Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) and Treatment Adherence

• Types of ART and treatment protocols
• Strategies for improving adherence

Module 6: Opportunistic Infections and Co-morbidities

• TB, hepatitis, STIs, and others
• Prevention and management

Module 7: Psychosocial Aspects of HIV/AIDS

• Coping with diagnosis
• Emotional and mental health support

Module 8: HIV/AIDS and Gender Issues

• Gender-based vulnerability
• Support for women, children, and key populations

Module 9: HIV and Youth

• Prevention strategies for adolescents
• Life skills and risk reduction

Module 10: Counselling Ethics and Confidentiality

• Ethical dilemmas and boundaries
• Rights of clients and duty of care

Module 11: Addressing Stigma and Discrimination

• Community-based approaches
• Legal frameworks and advocacy

Module 12: HIV and the Workplace

• Policies and programs
• Counselling employees and promoting inclusion

Module 13: HIV/AIDS in Humanitarian and Emergency Settings

• Vulnerability during displacement
• Continuity of care and psychosocial services

Module 14: Community Mobilization and Peer Support

• Role of PLHIV groups
• Community-based counselling models

Module 15: Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting in HIV Programs

• Indicators, data collection tools
• Quality assurance in counselling services

Module 16: Capstone – Role Play, Case Scenarios and Counselling Simulation

• Practical application of counselling techniques
• Feedback and peer review

 

6. Expected Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the course, participants will be able to:

• Deliver accurate information on HIV transmission and prevention
• Conduct effective HIV pre-test and post-test counselling
• Provide psychosocial and emotional support to clients and families
• Promote ART adherence and treatment literacy
• Advocate for and implement stigma-reduction strategies
• Strengthen community response and referral systems

 

7. Certification

Certificate of Completion

Awarded to participants who:

• Attend a minimum of 85% of the sessions
• Participate in group activities and role plays

Professional Certificate in HIV/AIDS Care and Counselling

Awarded upon:

• Successful completion of practical simulations and the capstone project
• Demonstrated application of counselling principles
• Passing a final written or oral assessment

Certification may be endorsed by national health authorities, NGOs, academic institutions, or international organizations (e.g., UNAIDS, WHO, Global Fund).