Every accurate HIV test begins with a skilled healthcare worker. Recognising that quality HIV rapid testing is the foundation of effective HIV prevention, treatment and care, Zambart in collaboration with the Ministry of Health conducted an intensive five-day HIV Rapid Testing (RT) training designed to strengthen both technical expertise and confidence in delivering reliable HIV testing services.
The training equipped participants with the knowledge and practical skills to conduct HIV rapid testing for eligible clients in accordance with the national HIV testing algorithm. It also focused on quality assurance, emphasising the importance of following Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to ensure accurate, reliable, and consistent test results.
Five healthcare professionals; three clinicians and two nurses successfully completed the five-day training. Through a combination of classroom sessions and practical demonstrations, participants gained hands-on experience in HIV rapid testing while reinforcing best practices for quality service delivery.
At the end of the training, all participants underwent competency assessments and were found to be competent in performing HIV rapid testing. They also demonstrated excellent performance in both the post-training knowledge assessments and practical examinations, reflecting the effectiveness of the training programme.
Participants expressed their appreciation for the comprehensive training modules and commended the facilitating team for their guidance and support throughout the five-day programme.
The training was conducted by trainers from the Ministry of Health under the University Teaching Hospital virology laboratory and Comfort Phiri, HIV Rapid Testing trainer at Zambart.