STI/HIV and AIDS

Overview of the Module

This module focuses on STIs, HIV and AIDS as it relates to sexual and reproductive health.  However, it is important to emphasize that the most effective way to have safe sexual reproductive health is through STIs and HIV infection prevention and management of AIDS in men and women.  Prevention of mother-to-child transmission should be linked to primary prevention programs that provide education of both men and women regarding the dangerous effects of cultural practices that encourage discrimination against women through local communities, about safer sex, condoms, diagnosis and treatment of other sexually transmitted infections and safe health practices. It is also important to emphasize that many of the interventions described in this module are dependent on the pregnant woman’s being accurately diagnosed as STIs and HIV-infected. Voluntary or routine counselling and testing services are an important part of any effort to reduce STIs and HIV transmission and achieve optimum health of individuals, families and communities. While women are battling for equal rights throughout the international community, the existing power imbalance between men and women renders women particularly vulnerable to contracting HIV. As a result, many women can not exercise their fundamental human right to control their own sexuality. Inclusion of Gender, STIs, HIV and AIDS in this module intends to reverse gender inequalities by empowering women to assert their cultural, political, and economic rights without fear of retaliation, violence, or abandonment. Research, monitoring and evaluation will facilitate evidence-based practice in sexual and reproductive health services.

How to Use the Module

  This module has a total of six units which you must complete in sequential order.
  Learning is an active process. Do all the activities as you work through the text so you
  can be sure you really understand what you have read.

  All references quoted must be read to expand your knowledge of the module but read all
  required references as these are directly relevant to your achievement of study outcomes.
  Remember this is a practical course.
• Try to relate the material to your experience in the work place or any other work experience you might have had.
• Try to make many links as you can to this Module

 Module Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this module learners shall be able to:
 
a) Discuss concepts used in STIs, HIV and AIDS.

b) Analyze policy documents and research in Gender, STIs, HIV and AIDS.

c) Evaluate strategies used to manage STIs, HIV and AIDS to influence change.

Assessment  Criteria
To ensure that you have achieved the learning outcomes you will:
• Explain the concepts in STIs, HIV and AIDS.
• Discuss the relationship between STIs, HIV, and AIDS.
• Analyze policies in relation to STI, HIV and AIDS.
• Discuss protocols for the management of STIs, HIV and AIDS among different age groups.
• Demonstrate competencies in prevention and management of STIs, HIV and AIDS among different age groups.
• Analyze the referral system in STIs, HIV and AIDS.
• Discuss the impact of STIs, HIV and AIDS on communities and the vulnerable groups.
• Discuss governmental and non-governmental stakeholder’s linkages in mitigating the impact of STIs, HIV and AIDS.
• Explain information, education and communication strategies used in STIs, HIV and AIDS.
• Discuss monitoring and evaluation framework for STIs, HIV and AIDS interventions in Malawi.

MODULE PACK