The induction training for these counselors covered different issues related toHIV/AIDS
such as:
- The HIV/AIDS Epidemiology
- STI, RTI & PMTCT program
- Role of counseling –pre and post test
- A familiarization with ones own understanding of Sex and Sexuality-which is vital
for a free and unbiased counseling interaction.
- Counseling techniques and the qualities of a good counselor
- Care and support in HIV/AIDS Management
- Recording and Documentation
These issues were addressed by a select group of specialist doctors and mental health
professionals who form the Prajwala core team of trainers.
Anti Retroviral Counseling Center
In the last 23 years the HIV virus, which causes the syndrome AIDS has grown from a
series of outbreaks in several groups into a global public calamity. In these 23 years
several studies have been made to study this virus and the disease to find a possible
solution for the cure. However till date there has been no cure for AIDS.
In the last one decade there have been some landmark developments such as drug to
prevent mother to child transmission. This drug reduces the risk of transmission of HIV
from mother to child from 35% to 10%. Similarly, drugs collectively known as antiretroviral
drugs have been found that prevent replication of HIV in the body. Therefore today the
treatment of HIV infection has some answers.
This treatment approach can be summarized as:
- Preventing the replication of virus by antiretroviral drugs
- Treatment of opportunistic infections
- Psychosocial support
Since ART is a recent development, most people living with HIV/AIDS are not even aware
of these drugs. Those few who are aware are not clear about the implications of these
drugs and live with a lot myths and misconceptions. It is in this context that counseling
plays an important role. In collaboration with Andhra Pradesh State AIDS Control Society,
Prajwala started the Anti-Retroviral Counseling center in Osmania General Hospital in the
year 2004.Till date over 13,073 have benefited through the counseling center.
|
