This Vertical Transmission Prevention (VTP) course, advances beyond PMTCT to offer non-stigmatizing, comprehensive strategies for preventing mother-to-child transmission of HIV and other infections, integrated with Maternity and ART guidelines.
About the course
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Course Design: Self-directed
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Duration: It will take 7-9 hours to complete.
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Eligibility for this course:
• Professional nurses registered with SANC
• Medical officer registered with HPCSA
• Pharmacists registered with SAPC
• Working in Western Cape -
Accreditation: HPCSA: 7 clinical CPD points - Level 1. WCDHW Nursing accredited for 3 CPD points in Area of Practice.
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Certification: Participants need 75% pass mark for final quiz.
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Published: February 2024
Course curriculum
The following topics are covered in this course:
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Chapter 1: HIV and Prevention of Mother-To-Child Transmission (PMTCT) history and epidemiology
- Epidemiology of HIV and PMTCT and progress towards international targets.
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Chapter 2: HIV transmission, pathophysiology and prevention strategies, including VTP
- Pathophysiology of HIV
- HIV transmission modes
- Prevention strategies related to HIV, including vertical transmission prevention
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Chapter 3: HIV diagnosis and routine primary, and antenatal, care
- Correct HIV testing to diagnose HIV (Elisa, PCR, Window period)
- Patient-centered HIV counselling
- Primary and basic antenatal care for pregnant women living with HIV
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Chapter 4: ART in pregnancy, initiation and management
- Principles of providing ART to pregnant women
- Initiating and monitoring pregnant women on ART
- Counselling and adherence to support pregnant women living with HIV
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Chapter 5: PrEP in pregnancy
- Principles of providing PrEP to pregnant women
- Initiating and monitoring PrEP in pregnant women
- Counselling and adherence support to women on PrEP
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Chapter 6: Peripartum care and contraception use
- Safe intrapartum practices
- Issues related to post-partum care for Women Living With HIV (WLWH)
- Follow-up care of WLWH
- Support WLHL in their choice of contraception use
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Chapter 7: Management of the HIV exposed infant
- Principles of HIV testing of infants
- Managing an HIV exposed infant, early infant diagnosis
- Counselling and adherence support to Mothers and caregivers of HIV exposed children
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Chapter 8: Infant feeding
- Terminology regarding infant feeding
- Risks of infant feeding regarding prevention of vertical transmission
- History about counselling for infant feeding
- Current recommendations for feeding for HIV exposed infants
Western Cape Government Department of Health and Wellness
People Development Centre
Acknowledgements:
- Assoc Prof Talitha Crowley
- Prof Karin Minnie
- Knowledge Translation Unit