HIV Diagnostic Assistant Training Curriculum
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HIV Diagnostic Assistants (HDAs) are a cadre of facility-based health workers focused on filling the gaps in HIV testing services (HTS). This cadre was piloted in Malawi in 2015 to improve HIV testing coverage, provision of viral load tests and the quality HIV services. This curriculum was developed using evidence-based strategies and training from our Community Health Worker program and adapted to fit the needs of this more recent cadre.
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The Training Curriculum Design
Participant's ManualA reference tool containing in-depth information on topics covered during training along with practice questions and activities
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Slide SetThe Slide Set PowerPoint Presentation should be used during the didactic training as a visual cue for both the trainer and participants to highlight key information and give instructions for activities. Trainers can adapt the slides in each of the units to include more or less information depending on the knowledge level of the participants
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Facilitator's GuideThe Facilitator's Guide consists of the corresponding tools for the slide set including the agenda, presentations, teaching tools, pre/post exam and activity guides.
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Tingathe's HIV Diagnostic Assistant Model
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HIV Diagnostic Assistants are a cadre of health worker specifically trained to support HTS at the health facility. HDAs fill gaps in the existing HTS system to ensure all patients are tested with upmost quality, and those that are identified as HIV-infected are linked to care. The number of HDAs at each facility depends on need and is only decided after a thorough assessment. HDAs work in hand-in-hand with Ministry of Health (MOH) staff and report to the MOH HTS in-charge and Community and HTC Program Officer (CHPO) member of the Tingathe mentorship team.
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Case Finding
HDAs screen patients to identify those in need of an HIV test and ensure that they receive one. They assist with case finding – identifying new HIV cases through encouraging testing of sexual partners and family members. They work with colleagues to increase PITC in all departments. |
Linkage to Care
HDAs keep records of newly diagnosed HIV-infected patients and track them through enrollment into HIV care. They track and keep records of HIV sample transportation and coordinate patient follow-up. They refer patients to other services (for STIs, TB, malnutrition) as needed. |
HTS Quality Assurance
HDAs comply with routine quality assurance measures for HIV testing, including being available for regular HTS/ART/PMTCT supervision and mentorship sessions. They ensure the availability of adequate HTS, EID, and viral load commodities and supplies in the testing rooms. They ensure effective delivery of HTS in line with required standards. |
