Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission of HIV Infection Generic Training Package

This publication is designed to be a comprehensive, evidence-based course for the prevention of mother-to-child HIV transmission (PMTCT) and was written for implementation in resource-constrained settings. It is available to download from the Women, Children, and HIV website.

The package aims to provide a context for reviewing existing materials (policies, procedures, and curricula) in light of current science and evidence-based practice. It also intends to provide a framework for updating existing policy, developing materials where needed, and considering the implications of implementing PMTCT services in a range of clinical settings. The process of adapting the curriculum for country use facilitates stakeholder input. This curriculum also provides a mechanism for developing and sustaining human capacity building for PMTCT programmes.

The purpose of the generic training package is to provide:

• An overview of the fundamental principles of a sustainable PMTCT programme;
• Healthcare workers with the knowledge and skills to deliver basic PMTCT services;
• Flexibility for integrating country-specific PMTCT policies and procedures;
• A mechanism for human capacity-building to support PMTCT service delivery programmes.

The PMTCT Generic Training Package components are as follows:

• The Training Programme and Course Director Guide, which is divided into two sections. Section 1: Training Programme Guide is targeted to those with overall responsibility for developing the PMTCT National Training Plan, adapting the generic PMTCT curriculum and creating the evaluation plan. Section 2: Course Director Guide is a resource document targeted to the individual or team responsible for organising and conducting the PMTCT training courses.
• The Trainer Manual outlines the entire curriculum, describes the trainer's role in course planning, and offers the trainer directions for conducting each session.
• The Participant Manual is the main reference document for course participants. It includes an introduction; nine content modules, each with a summary, clearly stated objectives, technical information, and exercises; and Glossary and Resources Guide.
• The Presentation Booklet, which is part of the Participant Manual, includes slides/overheads that summarise the main content areas of each module. The PowerPoint slides are included for adaptation and use in training sessions.
• The Pocket Guide provides clear, concise information to support the delivery of services and is a handy reference for healthcare workers.
• The Wall Charts can be posted in the health centre or facility and are a reference on key PMTCT content areas.

This curriculum was written by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in partnership with the Francois-Xavier Bagnoud Center at the University of Medicine & Dentistry of New Jersey (UMDNJ) and JHPIEGO at Johns Hopkins University.