More than 2,100 health care workers across Nigeria have utilized a virtual training platform (VTR) set up by the Institute of Human Virology Nigeria (IHVN) and Instrat, to expand their knowledge on HIV and tuberculosis.
According to IHVN Program Manager, Dr. Adekola Adekunle, the platform was repurposed and launched in August 2024 with funding support from the Global Fund TB-HIV Reach Integration and Impact Project (N-THRIP) in collaboration with the National Tuberculosis and Leprosy Control Programme (NTBLCP).
Dr. Adekunle said that the e-learning platform is active with enrolled participants 363 local government areas and was put in place to equip doctors, nurses and community health workers from private hospitals.
“Challenges such as high staff turnover, and constant need for capacity building necessitated this innovation.” Health workers are being equipped with essential skills to effectively manage and report tuberculosis cases.
The platform has proven to be cost effective, efficient and easily accessible by health care providers in hard-to-reach areas. Health workers train without disruption of their duties and it has boosted their understanding of the role of the private sector in the identification, screening, diagnosis and treatment of tuberculosis,” he said.
Dr. Adekunle explained that the mobile learning platform can be accessed on smart phones, tablets, laptops and desktop computers.
“We utilized text, audio and video-based trainings to build the capacity of trainees on the epidemiology, identification and diagnosis of tuberculosis, tuberculosis in children, administering treatment and management of tuberculosis contacts. There are also modules on monitoring tuberculosis treatment, management of treatment interruptions and drug-resistance tuberculosis,” he said.
Prior to the set-up of the platform, a needs assessment on relevant TB and HIV training topics was conducted. Regular feedback on program content and delivery has also been received to improve program structure.
Training sessions are currently available online alongside simulated classroom interaction and certificates upon successful completion.
Augusta Kalu, VTR Senior Manager InStrat added that measures such as engagement of linkage coordinators to follow-up with healthcare workers in private hospitals, personalized interaction with inactive participants and working with state sub-recipients and the government have been adopted to encourage completion of the courses.
She noted that initial challenges such as severe network challenges, difficulty in navigating the app, log in issues are being addressed.
“So far, more than 95% of the participants have indicated satisfaction with the quality, relevance, effectiveness and course structure of the training program,” Augusta said.
Participants say that the training has been beneficial. Olushola Deborah, a nurse from Ondo State is currently going through the modules. She says that the sessions “have broadened her knowledge about tuberculosis and the best way to care for patients.”
Ogbono Linda, a participant who has completed the training modules said that the modules have improved her knowledge in HIV and TB and management of co-infections. “I learned about the TB treatment regimen and patient management. This has equipped me to provide targeted intervention to patients and has boosted my confidence.”
As the Principal Recipient of the Global Fund Grant Cycle 7 project, IHVN is working with guidance from NTBLCP to Increase the testing and identification of all forms of TB in the private sector and the communities across the thirty-six states and the Federal Capital Territory. Capacity building of health care workers remains critical to ending tuberculosis in Nigeria.