KEY PERSONNEL: Dr. Thandie Mwalukomo (PD, eLearning Coordinator, Training Coordinator), Jane Mallewa (Co-PI), Dr. Louisa Nsai Alfazema (Co-PI), Godfrey Chisoni (Finance Administrator)

PROJECT TITLE: STRIPE HIV – University of Malawi College of Medicine

PROJECT YEAR 1 RECAP: Nine facilitators were trained to facilitate the HIV and COVID-19 Modules to 110 learners in a series of three training workshops. A WhatsApp-based consultation system was developed to improve post-training communication. COVID-19 training for pre-service medical students was also conducted.

PROJECT YEAR 2 SUMMARY: The University of Malawi, College of Medicine trained 9 facilitators and 235 learners. Diverse cadres of pre- and post-service learners were represented, including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and clinical officers. In response to COVID-19, workshops were adapted to a virtual format.

MAIN ACCOMPLISHMENTS

• Trained 9 facilitators to facilitate workshops for 8 modules
• Trained 235 learners

CHALLENGES AND SOLUTIONS

• Electronic devices were limited for learners. To address this, learners shared devices and logged in separately to register and take pre- and post-tests.
• Facilitators felt isolated and struggled to monitor student participation due to virtual format and lack of non-verbal response gotten from face-to-face learning. These challenges were addressed, and solutions were proposed during a PI/PD webinar.

TRAINING PARTNERS

• University of Malawi, College of Medicine
• Malawi College of Health Sciences

PARTICIPATING CINICAL SITES

Six PEPFAR-supported clinical sites and one district government authority (in a PEPFAR-supported district) contributed post-graduate learners. Figure 1 indicates the location of the sites.

• Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital*
• Machinga District Hospital*
• Holy Family Mission Hospital, Nsanje
• Zomba Central Hospital
• Kamuzu Central Hospital
• Zomba District Health Office
• Koche Community Hospital, Mangochi

Figure 1. Map showing the distribution of year 2 post-graduate trainees

IMPLEMENTATION

• Training cohorts: 7
• Facilitators Trained: 9

Professional Cadre		Gender
Medical	7	Male	5
Nursing/Midwifery	1	Female	4
Pharmacy	1

• Learners trained: 235

	Medical	Nursing/Midwifery	Pharmacy	Laboratory	Other	Total
Preservice	151	0	23	17	13	204
Postgraduate	26	5	0	0	0	31
Total	177	5	23	17	13	235

Gender
Male	155
Female	80

BROADER IMPACT: Case-based learning is being integrated into other courses at the College of Medicine. This year, STRIPE HIV team engaged with district/regional government health authorities to recruit potential learners, and there are plans to engage the national government health authorities in future project years.