The training of people involved in the fight against HIV and AIDS is very important as it is sustainable. This is the reason why MONUSCO HIV/AIDS Unit is expanding its innovative training programme to both the grassroots and public sector in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

In this light, the Unit recently organised a training workshop to instil in the Congolese National Police (PNC) the principle of good training methods. The one-day workshop that took place in Bunia was intended to improve the ability of the PNC in its effort to stem the course of HIV and AIDS within its ranks.

The seminar was organised by the United Nations Police Unit (UNPOL) in collaboration with the MONUSCO HIV/AIDS Unit in Bunia. The workshop that took place within the framework of improving the capacity of the PNC in the fight against HIV and AIDS was at the request of the UNPOL.

It is worthy of note that in the HIV/AIDS Unit, capacity building falls within the Unit’s preventive strategy, which enable both the trainers and the trainees to be schooled on good training and practicing skills, so that they can be able to pass on the message to others in this domain. This confirms the reason why the mean objective of the workshop was to give them more knowledge and to equip them with the principles and best practices of good trainers.

Within the UN Mission Area in the DRC, MONUSCO HIV/AIDS Unit is expected to contribute to the development of an AIDS-free society including the PNC and the National Armed Forces as well. The training of trainers is very necessary for the PNC, not only in the proper management of HIV and AIDS information, but to put in place strategic prevention programmes and advocacy.

In the domain of HIV and AIDS, lack of good training is a big issue because when proper prevention strategies are not put in place and the people in the training are not well trained, the activities cannot be managed in line with the expected objectives – and the aim of the exercise will be useless.

This seminar took place on the heels of a similar one that was organised in the North Kivu capital, Goma where some PNC Officials where schooled, among other lessons, on the basic knowledge on HIV and AIDS, the modes of transmission, preventive methods, treatment, stages of HIV infection, and how to get to the appropriate centres where care and support are given free of charge.

Before the end of the workshop, a description of Post Exposure Prophylaxes kit (PEP) was carried out. Explanations on what the PEP kit means, how is it is administered, the circumstances under which it is given out, and the possible side effects were all part of the practical training exercise.

At the end of the day a voluntary HIV counselling and testing was conducted in strict confidentiality, which is the work word of the MONUSCO HIV/AIDS Unit.

By Joseph Tabung Banah, Media Relations Officer [HIV/AIDS]