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Training course in sexually transmitted infections, HIV/AIDS 2018

Course coordinator: Igor Toskin
Department of Reproductive Health and Research, World Health Organization

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are a major public health problem in low- and middle-income countries, as well as in developed countries. The significant morbidity and mortality due to STIs coupled with the fact that STIs disproportionately affect women, vulnerable populations, for example men who have sex with men, transgender persons, young people and sex workers, necessitate the particular attention of health service policy makers.

The synergy between HIV and other STIs is a major public health concern. A significant number of STIs facilitate HIV transmission.

It is hard to estimate the global burden of STIs because of asymptomatic infections, the absence of diagnostic tools, and a weak system of surveillance for STIs in many countries.

It is important to know that all STIs are preventable and most can be cured. Effective STI case management is the basis of sexually transmitted infection control. An appropriate clinical algorithm can break the chain of transmission from infected to non-infected persons.

Objectives of the course

• To provide knowledge and skills on the prevention, control and treatment of the sexually transmitted infections (including HIV /AIDS) to health care providers (doctors, nurses, midwives, public health specialists).
• To enhance the knowledge and skills of health care providers in implementing STI programs, conduct training and research in STIs and HIV /AIDS.

Course content

The content of this course is based on WHO recommendations with main focus on evidence-based practice. It is also enhanced by field experience from our teachers with a wide range of experience in the field of sexual and reproductive health. It is based on groundwork, especially in developing countries, and proposing pragmatic solutions. We provide reference materials for our students and encourage them to use it in their professional practice. The course includes the epidemiology, public health and clinical aspects and management of STIs at different levels of health care services.

Topics to be covered in the course

Week 1

• The STI epidemics
• Epidemiology of STIs: factors, numbers and surveillance

Week 2

• Controlling STIs: synergies between prevention and care
• STI treatment guidelines
• Syphilis screen and treat for pregnant women

Week 3

• Key populations and HIV

Week 4

• The sexual and reproductive health and human rights of people living with HIV

Week 5

• The synergy between HIV and other STIs

Week 6

• Toward global prevention of sexually transmitted infections: the need for STI vaccines

Week 7

• Elements for planning and management of STI prevention and care

Week 8

• Improving monitoring and evaluation of STI/HIV programmes

Teaching-learning methods to be used in course

On each of the topic, the following items will be posted:

• A set of slides with accompanying talking points
• Reference documents
• Other audio-visual materials

What is required of you?

For each module, participants must:

• Study the slides and talking points.
• Read all accompanying documents.
• Answer to the multiple choice questions and complete the short assignment, after going through the slide set and documents.

A personal coach will be assigned to each participant, whose role is to facilitate the course and serve as tutor.

Course validation and certificate

In order to validate the course and obtain the certificate, participants are required to successfully answer to the multiple choice questions and complete an assignment that provides information on the overall situation in their countries in terms of sexually transmitted infections. The analysis should include information about the occurrence of STIs (prevalence, incidence and health services data), current country strategies, prevention measures, care services and existing barriers and challenges.

The assignment should be based on a literature search and, if relevant, professional experiences of the course participant. We will provide specific guide and instructions for paperwork assignment.

Course duration

8 weeks

Course fee

USD 250

Important dates

Start date: 10 September 2018

End date: 2 November 2018

Application deadline: 12 August 2018

Payment deadline: 3 September 2018

Application

To apply for the course, you should submit the completed application form and send the required enclosures by email to the course email address.

Application form

Enclosures

Please send the following documents by email to the course email address.

• A curriculum vitae, including sections on current and previous positions
• A certified copy of diploma(s)
• A letter of motivation stating clearly your interests and reasons for applying to the Course (1-2 page maximum).

Course email: sti@gfmer.org

You are encouraged to join other courses offered in the same year to benefit from a discount.

Special offer

Course	Course fee	Discount	Total course fee
One course in a year	USD 250	Fixed	USD 250
Two courses in a year	1st course USD 250 2nd course USD 200	Fixed 20%	USD 450
Three courses in a year	1st course USD 250 2nd course USD 200 3rd course USD 200	Fixed 20% 20%	USD 650
All four courses in a year	1st course USD 125 2nd course USD 125 3rd course USD 125 4th course USD 125	50% 50% 50% 50%	USD 500

Terms and conditions:

• To benefit from discount, participants must take the courses in the same year.
• Discount applies to only the following four courses: Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive health, Research methodology and research protocol development, Sexually transmitted infections, HIV/AIDS and Family planning.
• The course fee should be settled one week before the start date of the first course.
• The course fee is non-refundable and non-deferrable.

Contact

Geneva Foundation for Medical Education and Research
150, route de Ferney
1211 Geneva 2 - Switzerland
Website: https://www.gfmer.ch
E-mail: info@gfmer.org
Skype: coordinatorgfmer