6 : One Multidisciplinary Approach to AIDS in Africa: the Academic Alliance for AIDS Care and Prevention in Africa

Abstract:

The Academic Alliance for AIDS Care and Prevention in Africa (Academic Alliance) was formed in response to issues such as lack of infrastructure, poverty, lack of political will, insufficient laboratory support, political corruption, lack of financial support from developed countries, insufficient health care delivery systems, lack of training and knowledge among African physicians of the multiple complexities of the care of HIV/AIDS, and others. This Alliance will be focused on designing clinical and prevention strategies that will be readily applicable to both rural and urban health centers throughout Africa. An integral part of the core mission of the Alliance is to enhance HIV/AIDS care in resource-limited settings. A multinational selection committee of representatives will review all applications. Clinical experience comprises 50% of the training program and is conducted in both inpatient and outpatient settings; it includes bedside teaching rounds, an overview of a systematic approach to HIV/AIDS care and management, home visitation for AIDS palliation, and exposure to community outreach programs in both HIV/AIDS care and prevention. In addition, a quarterly news-letter will be developed and distributed to graduates of the Academic Alliance training programs, HIV/AIDS care providers, and health care facilities throughout Africa that focuses on recent advances in HIV/AIDS care, treatment, and prevention. The primary purpose of the laboratory program is to provide virologic, immunologic, and microbiologic laboratory support for the care of HIV-infected patients.