40 participants from 22 cities of Ukraine participated in a two-day training on the basics of motivational counseling and social support for project clients with HIV rapid test positive result and clients, who are not covered by medical care.
Participants learned about the latest normative documents in the field of HIV prevention and the benefits of early medical treatment and treatment initiation. Thanks to the capabilities of modern technology, the participants were able not only to get acquainted with presentations, but also to share their practical experience, discuss the difficulties they encountered while working, and get answers to complex questions from experienced trainers-consultants and specialists of the Program Department of Alliance.
As a part of group work, participants discussed existing barriers of taking medical care for HIV-positive clients from vulnerable groups as well as specifics of support for such clients. Moreover, the participants clearly defined the goals and objectives of case management and the principles of providing client work in order to achieve the goals of the cascade. Through interactive voting, participants discussed ways to get HIV infected and myths related to the issue.
Particular attention was paid to the social support of clients in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Participants received pieces of advice on the peculiarities of remote client work as well as on high quality and effective support and telephone counseling. As a result of the survey, the most active participants were identified and received memorable prizes from the Alliance.
Despite the fact that many participants were initially apprehensive about the idea of online training, the overwhelming majority expressed positive evaluations of this format. “Being able to gain new knowledge, even in quarantine, inspires and adds strength and confidence for further work,” is one of the conclusions the participants made during the training.
Even in the terms of quarantine and movement restrictions, Alliance for Public Health does not stop providing technical assistance and capacity building for supported projects and goes on to provide online trainings for NGO staff.