KEY PERSONNEL: Dr. Ashenafi Tazebew (PI), Dr. Alemayehu Teklu (Co-PI and eLearning Coordinator), Teshone Geletaw (Training Coordinator)

PROJECT TITLE: Building the future of the HIV workforce through the pre-service inter professional education

PROJECT YEAR 1 RECAP:  During the first year of the project, the University of Gondar conducted 8 workshops with 193 participants for final year medical, nursing, midwifery and pharmacy students and early career health professionals to deliver high quality, team-based HIV care.  The project developed a team of 8 trainers skilled in interprofessional training methods.  In addition to the training program, the University of Gondar supported regional health facilities through a mentorship program and collaborated with Gondar University, Debre Tabor University and Amhara Regional Health Office.

PROJECT YEAR 2 SUMMARY:  In Year 2, the training work of the University was constrained by COVID-19, and adaptations were necessary to provide continued learning.  STRIPE trainings were carried out for 198 learners from diverse health professions, including pre-service and post-graduate working health professionals. Many learners were able to do the trainings virtually, but some were held in-person due to local contexts. 11 facilitators were trained on the use of a learning management system (LMS) and Zoom to conduct successful trainings.  Significant improvements in knowledge were reflected on pre- and post-tests, and increased levels of confidence in providing HIV care.  There was a 100% completion rate for receipt of training certificates.   

MAIN ACCOMPLISHMENTS

• Mixed cadres of 198 learners trained in interprofessional team-based care for HIV. This included a transition to bring eLearning into the culture of the institution.
• 11 facilitators gained skills through ToT workshops held to introduce eLearning modalities and develop skills in guiding virtual and online teaching.

IMPLEMENTATION

• Learners: 198

	Medical	Nursing/Midwifery	Pharmacy	Laboratory	Other
Pre-service	69	56	52	0	177
Post-graduate < 12 months	1	5	1	0	7
Post-graduate > 12 months	7	2	5	0	14
TOTAL	77	63	58	0	198

Number of learners by gender
Male	135
Female	63

• Facilitators: 11

Cadre		Experience		Gender		Teaching Experience
Medical	7	0-5 years	0	Male	11	HIV educator	10
Nursing/Midwifery	2	6-10 years	6	Female	0	Non-HIV educator	1
Pharmacy	1	> 11 years	5	Other	0
Laboratory	0
Other	1

CHALLENGES AND SOLUTIONS

• A main challenge was registration and use of the LMS. Additional support was needed to assist learners in registering and utilizing the available resources.
• A stipend for data costs was important to enable students to use online resources.
• Some learners lacked smart phones or tablets. Some trainings were conducted in person to overcome with stipend adjustment for per diems.

IMPACT VIGNETTES

• The training was overall a successful program. Things that went well include interprofessional collaboration and knowledge regarding care and also, we got to know many aspects of HIV management including medication administration for specific age groups like pediatric, adults, pregnant woman along with appropriate diagnostic tools. – Learner
• I was so happy join the training it was so good training that I have got new knowledge useful for me to be confident and strong for my profession. – Learner
• All in all the STRIPE program is very crucial and due attention must be given for its expansion and I am very glad that I participated so Thanks for everything – Learner