Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt, 24 to 28 September 2023
The Regional Training on HIV Treatment, Differentiated Service Delivery Models, and Integrated Approaches took place in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt, from 24 to 28 September 2023. This training event brought together experts, practitioners, and participants from the field of HIV treatment and care to discuss key topics and share knowledge.
The event kicked off with an opening remark by Dr Yvan Hutin from IOM and Global Fund, followed by Ms. Joumana Hermez, who introduced the objectives of the training and the participants. The first day covered a range of subjects, including regional HIV epidemiology, ART (antiretroviral therapy), diagnosis of HIV infection, and an overview of HIV infection and its clinical course. Participants engaged in discussions and exercises on antiretroviral therapy.
The second day focused on advanced HIV disease, drug-drug interactions, improving adherence and retention in care, and failure on ART/HIV Drug Resistance. The trainers demonstrated the Liverpool DDI website and presented case studies on ART failure and resistance testing.
On the third day, the training delved into co-infection of HIV and TB, the diagnosis and treatment of opportunistic infections, HIV pre-exposure and post-exposure prophylaxis, and prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT).
The final two days of the training shifted the focus to differentiated service delivery (DSD) models and integrated approaches. Participants engaged in discussions and presentations on DSD building blocks, demand generation and HIV testing strategies, treatment, and advanced HIV disease, and virtual interventions. Integrated service delivery approaches were explored, including the integration of HIV with non-communicable diseases, mental health, hepatitis, and sexually transmitted infections. High-impact integration approaches were also discussed, such as PMTCT/EMTCT, dual HIV/syphilis rapid diagnostic testing, and diagnostic integration.
Throughout the training, participants actively participated in group activities, providing valuable insights and feedback. The event concluded with closing remarks and a sense of accomplishment among the participants.
The Regional Training on HIV Treatment, Differentiated Service Delivery Models, and Integrated Approaches successfully facilitated knowledge sharing and collaboration among experts and practitioners in the field. It is expected that the insights gained from this training will contribute to improved HIV treatment and care strategies in the region.
