Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission of HIV Generic Training Package

The original WHO and CDC PMTCT Generic Training Package (GTP) was completed in 2004 and the first update in early 2008. The GTP is a comprehensive, evidence-based course developed for implementation in resource-limited settings. The GTP is designed to be adapted at the country or regional level to meet participant learning needs, and reflect national policy and local context. The process of adapting the curriculum for country use facilitates stakeholder input and provides a context for reviewing existing materials (policies, procedures, and curricula) in light of current science and evidence-based practice. It also provides a framework for updating existing policy, developing materials where needed, and considering the implications of implementing PMTCT services in a range of clinical settings. This curriculum also provides a mechanism for developing and sustaining human capacity building for PMTCT programmes.

The two-year process of updating the GTP was informed by more than 75 resource documents, at least 17 of which are key WHO guidelines or recommendations documents on topics ranging from maternal and newborn health, care and treatment of HIV disease, infant feeding (including safe preparation, storage and handling of powdered infant formula), testing and counselling, and hand hygiene. The content in the updated GTP was also informed by country adaptations undertaken from 2004 to 2007. The updated document includes detailed instructions for trainers, including answers to case studies and other exercises.

Staff at both WHO and CDC reviewed content in detail, collaborated to agree on edits, and ensured the inclusion of the most up-to-date guidelines. The updated GTP is marked "DRAFT" because it is still in the process of being cleared at both WHO and the Office of The US Global AIDS Coordinator (OGAC).

WHO, CDC and the FXB Center would like to thank UNICEF Pacific for being the first to adapt the updated GTP. UNICEF's pilot test, which took place in November 2007, and subsequent rollout of the Fiji, Vanuatu, Kiribati, and Solomon Islands PMTCT Training Package also provided an opportunity to test training methods and content in the draft GTP.

The GTP is targeted to staff working in (or intending to work in) PMTCT programmes or healthcare settings that provide PMTCT services: nurses, midwives, physicians, social workers, outreach workers, counselors and programme managers.

There is no substitute for hands-on experience when providing both clinical and social support. The GTP should be viewed as providing a foundation on which to build and develop additional skills. This can be done through specialized training in areas such as HIV counselling or infant feeding. Many of these skills require practice to develop proficiency, and participants can benefit by actively seeking opportunities to increase their comfort with all aspects of programme implementation.

The GTP supports a 5 1/2 day course with an optional half-day field visit. The manuals support trainers to use a range of teaching methods to create a highly interactive learning experience. The GTP includes files in Microsoft Word, PDF, and PowerPoint formats and includes the following components:

		Participant Manual is the main reference document for course participants. It includes an Introduction; nine content modules, each with a summary; clearly stated objectives; technical information; and exercises. It also contains a Glossary, Frequently Asked Questions and a Resources section.
		Trainer Manual includes all of the technical material that appears in the Participant Manual, describes the trainer's role in course planning, and offers the trainer directions for conducting each session.
		Presentation Booklet includes slides/overheads that summarize the main content areas of each module.

Although the Microsoft Word documents have the advantage that they can be edited, the formatting is unstable (Microsoft defaults to the setting of the computer on which the file is opened). It is advisable to review the formatting all Microsoft documents, specifically the bullet points in all of the documents and the dashed boxes in the Trainer Manual. The Acrobat (PDF) documents will not undergo formatting changes, but they cannot be edited. Acrobat Reader 5.0 or higher is required to open the PDF files. This software can be downloaded free of charge on the Adobe Acrobat site.

This document may be freely reproduced, in whole or in part and by any means, without further permission from the World Health Organization or the U.S. Centers for Disease Control under the condition that it is for non-commercial purposes and that the WHO and CDC are fully acknowledged as the source. Suggested reference is as follows: WHO and CDC. Prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV Generic Training Package, Draft. January 2008.

Hard copies of the updated GTP are not currently available. If you would like an electronic copy on CD-ROM, please contact Daina Bungs, Global Program Assistant at the FXB Center: bungsdi@umdnj.edu. In your correspondence include your full shipping address (a street address is required, not a P.O. or B.P. number) as well as your telephone number.