Phek District AIDS Prevention Control Unit (DAPCU) conducted HIV and Syphilis test training for the district resource team on June 29 at CMO’s conference hall, Phek, jointly organized by AHANA project and district health administration.
A press release from District media officer Phek, Kutolu Nakro stated that during the training, project officer AHANA, Mhonthung Tungoe listed the main objectives of AHANA project which are to improve HIV testing among pregnant women and ensure effective linkages and retention to ART treatment and their children through Intensified Case Finding (ICF) approach. He said that the specific goal of the project was to promote periphery level HIV screening among pregnant women as part of ANC for early identification of positive pregnant women and linking them with PPTCT services.
Counsellor DSRC DH Phek, Nutalu H. Keyho highlighted the basics of HIV/AIDS and STI/RTI. She also briefed the participants on the signs and symptoms of HIV/AIDS and STI/RTI.
A practical session on whole blood finger prick test of HIV and POC Syphilis screening was conducted by Lab-Tech MICTC DAPCU Phek, Rukuwe. DA-MNE DAPCU Phek, Velato trained the ANMs on how to maintain record registers and how to fill the monthly reporting format.
District Program Officer (DPO) DAPCU, Kuduvo Kezo highlighted the importance of PPTCT programs and urged them to coordinate with ASHAs and tie up with Village Health & Nutrition Day (VHND) programs for compulsory screening of HIV and Syphilis for ANC attendees.