Introduction
Tanzania has made significant progress towards achieving the 95-95-95 targets, with 83% of the population being aware of their HIV status by December 2023. However, challenges persist in reaching the first 95 due to social and structural barriers and changes in HIV prevalence. In response, the Ministry of Health (MoH) adopted blood-based HIV self-testing as a strategy to enhance testing services.
Rationale
To facilitate the integration of blood-based HIV self-testing nationwide, the MoH in collaboration with Afya Partners Initiatives organized a training workshop for Trainers of Trainees (TOTs). This initiative aimed to equip participants with the knowledge and skills required to effectively instruct healthcare providers on blood-based HIV self-testing protocols.
Goal
The overarching goal of the workshop was to capacitate TOTs on blood-based HIV self-testing using the CheckNOW™ kit.
To provide TOTs with the necessary skills for effective instruction on blood-based HIV self-testing protocols.
To ensure the availability of trained TOTs in every region of Tanzania, facilitating subsequent training of healthcare providers.
To empower TOTs to disseminate critical insights and best practices on blood-based HIV self-testing.
To align the training initiative with national strategies aimed at reducing HIV transmission rates.
To foster knowledge dissemination and enhance accessibility to blood-based HIV self-testing services nationwide.
Methods
The training took place in an organized conference room accommodating 165 participants, ministry officials, and facilitators. Sessions were conducted through expert-led lectures, case studies, group discussions, role-playing exercises, assessments, and resource materials distribution. Pre- and post-training assessments were conducted to measure knowledge improvement, and evaluations were performed to gather feedback for future improvements.
Conclusion
This training workshop marks a significant step forward in Tanzania’s efforts to enhance HIV testing services and achieve its public health goals. By empowering TOTs with the necessary skills and knowledge, the country is poised to expand access to HIV testing and improve health outcomes for all citizens.