Makadon HJ, Jerajani H, Batura D, Menon MS, Setia MS, Fuller J, Libman H; International Conference on AIDS (15th : 2004 : Bangkok, Thailand).

Int Conf AIDS. 2004 Jul 11-16; 15: abstract no. B12621.

Wockhardt HMI HIV/AIDS Education and Research Foundation (WHARF), Mumbai, India

Issues: Recognizing the importance of becoming more actively involved in HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment efforts, health care providers in India have identified the need for appropriate education. Despite the growing availability of low cost medications, including antiretroviral therapy, guidelines from the government on their proper use have been lagging. This may result in the prescription of medications in incorrect doses and inadequate drug combinations, which may undermine efforts to treat patients effectively. Description: In order to support health care providers, Harvard Medical International (HMI) and Wockhardt Life Sciences, Mumbai, have initiated the Wockhardt HMI HIV AIDS Education and Research Foundation (WHARF). WHARF, through consolidated faculty from Mumbai and Boston, has developed a comprehensive curriculum for HIV prevention and care aimed at physicians, nurses, and counselors. Modules include: Epidemiology, Primary Care, Counseling and Testing, Recognition and Management of Opportunistic Infections, Use of Antiretroviral Therapy, Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission, and Prevention in Clinical Practice. Wherever possible, the modules incorporate WHO recommendations. From December 2002 through December 2003, WHARF trained over 1000 health care providers. Lessons Learned: In the absence of comprehensive guidelines from the national government, international faculty acting under the umbrella of a non-governmental organization can develop a curriculum and provide guidance for clinicians on HIV prevention and treatment consistent with global standards. Recommendations: WHARF will be an effective vehicle for the continued dissemination of new prevention and treatment guidelines, which will be increasingly important as antiretroviral therapy use in India becomes more widespread.

Publication Types:

• Meeting Abstracts

Keywords:

• Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome
• Antiretroviral Therapy, Highly Active
• Boston
• Caregivers
• Child
• Counseling
• Curriculum
• HIV Infections
• HIV Seropositivity
• Health Personnel
• Health Resources
• Humans
• India
• Learning
• Primary Health Care
• Research
• drug therapy
• education
• prevention & control
• therapy

Other ID:

• GWAIDS0032768

UI: 102276982

From Meeting Abstracts