The Cell for AIDS Research Action and Training (CARAT) of the Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Mumbai is planning to conduct a two and a half month advanced training programme for professionals in the field of HIV/AIDS counselling and psycho social interventions from various countries.

CARAT has been conducting international training programme for the last four years, and numerous professionals in the field from various Asian countries, Middle East, Africa and Australia were trained in the earlier programmes. The proposed programme is the 5th in the series. About 20-25 professionals would be admitted to the programme, sources with CARAT told Pharmabiz.

The intensive 10-week residential programme, Training Institute on HIV &AIDS, includes three-week hands on field experience in Mumbai and is scheduled from November 14, 2005 to January 21, 2006. The programme will cover areas like HIV/AIDS, STIs and RTIs, sexuality and gender, HIV& AIDS related counselling, HIV and development, developing micro- and macro-interventions, management of prevention and care programmes, and one of two optional courses, introduction to HIV/AIDS research or introduction to training methodology.

These seven courses will be taught in a modular fashion and certificates will be awarded on completion of all course requirements. Professionals who have obtained post-graduate degrees in social work, psychology, medicine, counselling, nursing or human development are eligible to attend the programme and preference is given for people with commitment to and experience in the field of HIV/AIDS. Total fees for the training are about Rs 60, 000.

Sources said at the end of the training institute, the participants would be able to analyze psycho-social, ethical, legal and human rights aspects of HIV and AIDS from the health and development perspectives and develop skills in HIV-related counselling and interventions for prevention and care at all levels. Further, it would help them developing skills in research, advocacy, programme management and training at various levels.

CARAT, funded by the Tata Foundation, has been active in training and capacity building for HIV/AIDS since 1993, and offers training for paraprofessionals, health educators, students and researchers in counselling and HIV research. It also chairs the NACO Technical Resource Group on counselling and is the Western Regional Centre for the National AIDS Counselling Training Programme.