The numbers are mind-boggling: toward the end of 2012 there were 35.3 million people across the world living with HIV. In the Caribbean an estimated 250,000 persons are living with HIV (UNAIDS 2013 Global Fact Sheet). It has affected millions and remains one of the most challenging diseases to manage. Since the beginning of the epidemic, almost 75 million people have been infected with the HIV virus and about 36 million people have died of HIV, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
The UWI Faculty of Medical Sciences has developed a regional programme to help improve the quality of life for those living with the virus. It has partnered with the International Training and Education Center for Health (I-TECH), University of Washington, Seattle, USA, and the Caribbean HIVAIDS Regional Training Network (CHART) to offer the Diploma in the Management of HIV Infection.
Last year the first cohort of twelve health care providers crossed the stage at The UWI Sport and Physical Education Centre to shake hands with Chancellor, Sir George Alleyne, and receive their certificates. Three of these UWI graduates gained distinctions.
One of them, Ingrid Marcellin-Wiseman spoke of the importance of the part-time Diploma and its impact on the medical profession and those living with HIV.
“The management of HIV is a very complex one and so I was grateful for this course since it allowed me a greater understanding of the disease, mostly because it encompasses all aspects of HIV care and treatment and as such should be pursued by all medical personnel working in or with special interest in this field of study.”
For UWI graduate Erica Joseph the programme provided, “new and up-to-date information and knowledge,” which was “empowering.”
“This should ideally lead to better health outcomes for HIV/AIDS clients under our care, and should enhance one’s advocacy role when there are gaps in management or sub-optimal care,” she added.
Enrollment is now open and this Diploma in the Management of HIV Infection class of 2014-2015, will find greater flexibility in delivery of the material, as it will be a blended learning programme which combines online as well as face-to-face teaching in clinics. The enhanced delivery will ensure that the course is more accessible throughout the region by maximizing access for professionals working in the public sector, non-governmental organizations and commercial organizations. The deadline date for registration is July 18th and classes for the new semester begin on September 8th, 2014.
The part-time, one year, blended learning programme offers courses in HIV treatment online as well as in the clinics of medical institutions. Students have the flexibility to access the course material from “anywhere in the world and at any time, while learning about the latest health care for HIV, from experts in the field,” Programme Coordinator, Professor Zulaika Ali explained recently.
The modules or courses being taught include: HIV Epidemiology and Pathogenesis, HIV and the Laboratory for diagnosis, General Management of HIV Infection, HIV Co-infection and Related Issues, HIV and the Health System, HIV and Sexual and Reproductive Health, Research Methods and Design, Dissertation and Practicum/Preceptorship. (AWH)
Application forms can be obtained at: UWI School of Graduate Study and Research, St. Augustine Campus. For more information please contact: Professor Zulaika Ali, Child Health Unit, Building 69, 1st Floor, EWMSC, Tel/Fax 868-662-9596
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