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

Course Design:
Self-directed. 


Duration: 
It will take 7-9 hours to complete. 


Eligibility for this course: 

  • Professional nurses registered with SANC
  • Medical officer registered with HPCSA
  • Pharmacists registered with SAPC
  • Working in Western Cape  


Accreditation:  
7 general CEU's on Level 1,  according to the HPCSA’s guidelines .


Certification: 
Participants need 75% pass mark for final quiz.


Published: 
February 2024

Course curriculum

The following topics are covered in this course:

  • Chapter 1: HIV and Prevention of Mother-To-Child Transmission (PMTCT) history and epidemiology
    • Epidemiology of HIV and PMTCT and progress towards international targets.
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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