ECOM, together with the Kazakh Scientific Center of Dermatology and Infectious Diseases (KSCDID), are launching a new online course on HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for healthcare workers in the Republic of Kazakhstan.
The course aims to increase the level of knowledge and practical skills of specialists in the field of HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis and to promote the broader and evidence-based integration of PrEP into clinical and prevention practice. This is an important step in developing the HIV prevention system and expanding access to modern, evidence-based approaches in healthcare.
The course was developed as part of the regional project Sustainability of Services for Key Populations in Eastern Europe and Central Asia (EECA) — #iSoS: Empowering and Innovations, implemented by a consortium of organizations led by the ICF Alliance for Public Health, with financial support from the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria.
The author and speaker of the Russian-language course is Gulzhakhan Mazhitovna Akhmetova, Head of the Epidemiological Monitoring Department at the KSCDID, infectious disease specialist and Candidate of Medical Sciences. The speaker of the Kazakh-language course is Meiramgul Kaliollanovna Gabassova, Head of the Department of Information and Analytical Monitoring and Strategic Development at the KSCDID, epidemiologist and Master of Medical Sciences. The coordinator on behalf of the KSCDID is Botagoz Saitovna Turdalieva, Doctor of Medical Sciences, Professor, Academician at the Academy of Preventive Medicine of the Republic of Kazakhstan and Deputy Director for Scientific Activities and Strategic Development.
The course consists of seven modules and is designed not only for physicians but also for other helping professionals — psychologists and PrEP counselors — who work with people from vulnerable and key populations, providing support and information on HIV prevention.
During the training, participants will gain a deeper understanding of who is recommended to take PrEP for HIV and in what cases, which medications are used and how effective they are, how to properly conduct risk assessment and counsel patients, and how to seamlessly integrate PrEP into a comprehensive system of prevention services.
One of the key features of this course is its official status: it’s included in the advanced training program for healthcare workers in the Republic of Kazakhstan and provides 60 credits.
Elena German, Capacity Building Coordinator at ECOM, notes that the idea for this course emerged several years ago:
“Four years ago, I conducted my first PrEP training for doctors in Almaty. One of the key recommendations from the participants was to create a course that would always be at hand: modern, based on innovations and Kazakhstan’s experience, and integrated into the professional development system.
And today, this is exactly the course we’re presenting. We’re proud that it’ll provide participants with new knowledge, and it’s available in both Russian and Kazakh.”
According to Gulzhakhan Mazhitovna Akhmetova, Head of the Epidemiological Monitoring Department at the KSCDID and one of the course authors, the online format significantly expands access to learning:
“The online course on HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis reduces barriers to access to prevention services. Thanks to its convenient online format, the course makes training accessible in all regions of Kazakhstan and contributes to expanding PrEP coverage among key and vulnerable populations. With ECOM’s support, we were able to develop a high-quality course in a very short time. I hope it’ll be in demand among a wide range of specialists!”
