PGI Centre of Excellence in HIV care will host CME on HIV update 2025
The Centre of Excellence in HIV Care, Chandigarh, is pleased to announce a Continuing Medical Education (CME) program focused on latest advancements in HIV care. The CME will be held on 20.02.25 at APC Auditorium, PGIMER, Chandigarh. This educational event aims to equip healthcare professionals with the most current information and best practices in the management of individuals living with HIV. CME would be attended by Consultants, resident doctors, nurses and other health care professionals from PGIMER Chandigarh, GMC- 32, GH-16, AIMS Mohali, Private hospitals of Tricity. This CME program provides a crucial platform for healthcare professionals to stay abreast of the evolving landscape of HIV management according to the NACO guidelines. The CME program will feature expert presentations and discussions on critical aspects of HIV care, including:
HIV Testing: Optimizing Detection and Strategies: This session will delve into the latest advancements in HIV testing methodologies, focusing on rapid testing, point-of-care testing, and strategies to increase testing uptake, especially among key populations. It will cover the interpretation of test results and the effective use of testing algorithms.
Initiation and ART Monitoring: Tailoring Treatment for Optimal Outcomes: This segment will address the crucial aspects of initiating Antiretroviral Therapy (ART). Speakers will discuss the selection of appropriate ART regimens, the importance of adherence counselling, and strategies to overcome challenges in ART initiation. The session will also cover comprehensive monitoring of patients on ART, including virological and immunological monitoring, and the management of treatment failure.
Post Exposure Prophylaxis- Sometimes the healthcare workers get occupational exposure due to infected needle stick injures or exposure from other potentially infectious material. This session will detail strategies to prevent or minimise risk of such exposure and the protocol to be followed if any such injury occurs. There is provision of occupational post exposure prophylaxis under the national program.
Neurological Manifestations in HIV: Diagnosis and Management: This session will focus on the various neurological complications associated with HIV infection, including HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders, opportunistic infections, and drug-related neurological adverse effects. It will provide guidance on diagnosis, differential diagnosis, and evidence-based management strategies.
Dermatological Manifestations in HIV: Recognition and Treatment: Skin conditions are common manifestations of HIV infection. This module will provide a detailed overview of common dermatological presentations in HIV, including opportunistic infections, drug reactions, and HIV-related dermatoses. It will cover diagnostic approaches and effective treatment options.
Respiratory Manifestations in HIV: Addressing Pulmonary Complications: This section will address pulmonary complications in HIV-infected patients, including opportunistic infections such as Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP), tuberculosis (TB), and other respiratory illnesses. The session will focus on early diagnosis, appropriate investigations, and comprehensive management of respiratory complications.
In the last HIV update 2024, there was an overwhelming response with more than 300 registrations and in this CME also similar response is expected. Registration has been made free, but mandatory.
“We are committed to improving the quality of HIV care in our region & we are confident that the knowledge and skills gained during this event will translate into better care and improved outcomes for our patients” said Prof. Aman Sharma, Program Director, CoE in HIV care/ART Centre. As per the NACO 95-95-95 mandate, ART Centre at PGI has >97% patients have viral load suppression. The national average is 74%. In the last HIV update 2025. The press conference was also attended by Dr Shankar Naidu, Deputy Program Director, COE in HIV Care, Dr Ravinder Kaur Sachdeva, Senior Medical Officer ART Centre, PGIMER, Chandigarh.
