HIV/AIDS Reduction Strategies

(Capacity Building Workshop)

1. Introduction

Despite decades of progress, the HIV/AIDS pandemic remains a global health challenge. To end the epidemic, a multi-pronged approach to prevention—including behavioral, biomedical, and structural strategies—is essential. This workshop provides comprehensive training on evidence-based HIV reduction strategies aimed at limiting new infections, scaling preventive interventions, and empowering communities to take control of their health.

 

2. Objectives

By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to:

• Understand the key drivers of the HIV/AIDS pandemic
• Identify effective HIV prevention strategies tailored to various populations
• Design behavior change communication (BCC) programs
• Promote biomedical interventions such as PrEP, condoms, and testing
• Address structural barriers such as stigma, gender inequality, and policy gaps
• Develop community-led and evidence-based HIV reduction action plans

 

3. Targeted Group

The workshop is suitable for:

• Public health professionals and program officers
• Community health workers and peer educators
• NGO/CBO staff and HIV project coordinators
• Educators and youth leaders
• Faith-based and traditional leaders
• Social workers and counsellors
• Policy makers and local government officials
• Students in public health, medicine, or social sciences

 

4. Course Duration

• Total Duration: 4 weeks (64 contact hours)
• Schedule: 4 sessions per week × 4 hours each
• Mode: In-person / Online / Hybrid
• Methodology: Interactive lectures, group discussions, case studies, simulations, role-plays, and practical strategy design exercises

 

5. Course Content

Module 1: Overview of the HIV/AIDS Pandemic

• Global and regional statistics
• Key populations and epidemic trends

Module 2: Modes of HIV Transmission and Risk Factors

• Biological, behavioral, and socio-economic factors
• High-risk practices and misconceptions

Module 3: Introduction to HIV Prevention Strategies

• Combination prevention approach
• Biomedical, behavioral, and structural strategies

Module 4: Promoting Condom Use and Safe Sex Practices

• Condom negotiation skills
• Male and female condoms and lubricants

Module 5: HIV Testing and Early Diagnosis

• Voluntary Counselling and Testing (VCT)
• Community-based testing and linkage to care

Module 6: Pre-Exposure and Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP & PEP)

• Eligibility, access, and adherence
• Integration into national prevention programs

Module 7: Treatment as Prevention (TasP)

• U=U (Undetectable = Untransmittable) concept
• Early ART initiation and viral suppression

Module 8: Youth and Adolescent HIV Prevention

• Peer education
• SRHR education and empowerment

Module 9: Prevention for Key and Vulnerable Populations

• MSM, sex workers, PWID, prisoners
• Tailoring approaches for inclusivity

Module 10: Gender, Power, and HIV Risk

• Gender-based violence
• Empowerment and protective legal frameworks

Module 11: Addressing Stigma and Discrimination

• Types of stigma (internalized, social, institutional)
• Tools for reducing stigma in healthcare and communities

Module 12: Community Mobilization and Outreach Strategies

• Engaging community leaders and gatekeepers
• Designing culturally appropriate messaging

Module 13: School and Workplace-Based HIV Prevention

• Life skills and curriculum integration
• Workplace policies and peer education

Module 14: Policy, Advocacy, and Legal Environment

• National HIV strategies and laws
• Rights-based approaches to prevention

Module 15: Monitoring, Evaluation, and Data Use in Prevention

• Indicators for prevention programs
• Using data for strategy adjustment

Module 16: Capstone – Designing a Community HIV Reduction Plan

• Team-based project to design an HIV prevention intervention
• Presentation, feedback, and improvement

 

6. Expected Outcomes

Participants will be able to:

• Identify key drivers of HIV transmission in their context
• Apply evidence-based HIV reduction strategies
• Engage communities in sustainable prevention interventions
• Promote testing, condom use, PrEP, and treatment adherence
• Address stigma, gender inequality, and cultural barriers
• Monitor and evaluate HIV prevention programs effectively

 

7. Certification

Certificate of Completion

Awarded to participants who:

• Attend at least 85% of all sessions
• Actively participate in group work and assignments

Certificate of Competence in HIV Reduction Strategies

Awarded upon:

• Successful completion of the capstone project
• Demonstrated practical understanding through simulation or written evaluation
• Presentation of a localized HIV reduction strategy

Certificates may be co-issued with public health institutions, national HIV/AIDS commissions, or global partners (e.g., UNAIDS, WHO).