Title: Training health workers.

POPLINE Document Number: 125515

Author(s):

Mkuye M
Schapink D
Hamelmann C
Masesa E

Source citation:

In: HIV prevention and AIDS care in Africa. A district level approach, edited by Japheth Ng'weshemi, Ties Boerma, John Bennett and Dick Schapink. Amsterdam, Netherlands, Royal Tropical Institute, 1997. :205-20.

Abstract:

The effectiveness of HIV/AIDS programs depends on adequate training of health staff, community leaders, and school personnel. A study in Tanzania indicated health workers who had attended training had significantly more knowledge and more positive attitudes about HIV/AIDS than untrained workers. Communication skills, attitudes, and the ability to work as facilitators are as important to the training curriculum as the provision of up-to-date scientific knowledge. Training must address the beliefs, attitudes, and prejudices of the health workers themselves, their fears of infection, and ways to deal with sensitive topics such as sex and death. If, through AIDS training, health workers learn participatory, problem-solving approaches, these skills can be utilized in other community mobilization activities. Study groups, independent learning, distance learning, classroom teaching, and workshops are all potential training strategies. Suggested modules for an independent AIDS learning program in Tanzania include basic facts and feelings about HIV/AIDS, how to find out about AIDS in the community, HIV infection and AIDS counseling, review of infection control in health units, and AIDS home-based care. Experience in Tanzania's Mwanza Region has indicated that group teaching facilitates team work and motivation.

Keywords:

Africa, Sub Saharan
HIV Prevention
AIDS Prevention
Health Services Administration
Training Activities
Health Personnel
Staff Attitude
Africa
Developing Countries
HIV Infections
Viral Diseases
Diseases
AIDS
Management
Organization and Administration
Training Programs
Education
Delivery of Health Care
Health
Attitude
Psychological Factors
Behavior