Experts develop training materials to combat HIV-related stigma in health facilities

MOROGORO: EXPERTS have convened in Morogoro Region for a five day meeting aimed at developing teaching and learning materials to strengthen the capacity of tutors and students in middle-level health training institutions across the country.

The meeting, which began on Monday and concludes today, is part of efforts to enhance the implementation of the Integrated Intervention Project being implemented by the Muhimbili University College of Health and Allied Sciences (MUCOHAS) in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and the Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences (MUHAS).

The project adopts a total facility approach to address stigma and discrimination by health service providers against people living with HIV (PLHIV) and people who use drugs, challenges that continue to undermine access to quality health services.

Speaking on the implementation of the project, MUCOHAS Principal Dr Bonny Betson said the initiative focuses on improving the knowledge, attitudes and skills of health care providers to ensure services are inclusive, friendly and respectful of the dignity of every client.

“This is the third year since we started implementing this project. So far, we have completed the first phase at MUCOHAS involving both students and tutors, after which we reviewed the short curriculum that was specifically developed to guide the delivery of this training,” Dr Betson said.

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He explained that before developing the curriculum, a baseline study was conducted among trained students and tutors to identify real needs and existing challenges in health service delivery.

“The findings from the baseline study informed the development of the curriculum, which is now intended for use in other health training institutions across the country,” he noted, describing the move as a critical step towards reducing stigma and discrimination within health facilities.

Dr Betson added that the Integrated Intervention Project aligns with the government’s broader goals of improving health services, particularly by addressing stigma, which remains a major barrier to access and utilisation of services by PLHIV and people who use drugs.