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Case Study - Development of Learning Material on the HCTS Guidelines
A Digital Lifeline for India’s Counsellors
Background
Across India’s HIV clinics, counsellors sit across from patients offering comfort, clarity, and, sometimes, life-changing news. Their words shape decisions. Their guidance saves lives. Yet many had not received updated training for years.
Priya, a counsellor in a government hospital in Punjab, was one of them. HIV testing protocols were changing. Community-based screening was expanding. New SOPs were being introduced. But training required travel, time, and resources she did not have.
Then came a turning point.
A collaborative digital training initiative from NACO (National AIDS Control Organisation) and UNAIDS announced a new eLearning platform for HIV Counselling and Testing Services (HCTS).
For Priya and thousands like her, it was a lifeline.
Challenge
India’s HIV counsellors play a critical role, but they faced systemic barriers:
- Outdated training material
- New guidelines that had not reached ground staff
- Lack of standardized counselling practices
- No refresher training for years
- Limited time to attend in-person sessions
The need was urgent:
- Updated knowledge
- Consistent national protocols
- Accessible and scalable training
To achieve India’s HIV goals, counsellors needed to be empowered with accurate information and modern tools.
Approach: A Digital Revolution in Counsellor Training
The HCTS eLearning platform transformed how counsellors learned, practiced, and applied new skills.
Priya accessed:
- Revised HIV Testing Guidelines: She learned how to conduct HIV screening in clinics and community settings bringing testing closer to those who needed it most
- Standard Operating Procedures: Step-by-step instructions covered documentation, consent, referrals, pre-test and post-test counselling, and reporting
- Scenario-Based Interactive Modules: She practiced real patient interactions navigating difficult conversations with empathy and accuracy
- Webinars and Expert Sessions: Counsellors engaged with national trainers, asked questions, and shared field challenges
The experience wasn’t passive learning, it was immersive, practical, and human-centered.
Solution: A Scalable, Accessible Learning Ecosystem
The digital platform ensured counsellors could train without leaving their communities or interrupting services
- Self-paced modules: Accessible anytime, anywhere
- Gamified learning and case simulations: Improved retention and engagement
- Peer learning communities: Discussion boards and doubt-resolution sessions
- Certification: Enhancing counsellor credibility and motivation
- LMS-based tracking: Allowed NACO to monitor progress at a national scale
This wasn’t just training, it was a national capacity-building system.
Impact
The transformation was measurable and nationwide.
Massive Participation and Reach
- 6,000+ counsellors trained
- 86% completion rate
- Highest engagement in Punjab, Tamil Nadu, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh
Better Counselling Practices
Counsellors:
- Explained ART confidently
- Supported mental health concerns
- Guided newly diagnosed PLHIV on next steps
- Encouraged community-based screening
Improved Patient Experience
Clients received:
- Clear information
- Non-judgmental support
- Better follow-up care
Strengthening India’s HIV Response
The platform supported the country’s 95-95-95 goals:
- 95% of PLHIV know their status
- 95% receive ART
- 95% achieve viral suppression
One counsellor at a time, the health system grew stronger.
Conclusion
Priya is no longer limited by outdated training.
Her knowledge is current.
Her confidence is high.
And every patient she counsels receives accurate, compassionate care.
The HCTS eLearning initiative did more than upskill counsellors, it transformed HIV response systems across India.
At Enabling Dimensions, we believe that when the right knowledge reaches the right people at the right time, public health changes forever.
This digital platform ensured no counsellor was left behind and no patient was left without support.
Knowledge became action.
Action became impact.
And impact became hope.
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