Have You Considered a Career in HIV/AIDS Management?

Careers in HIV/AIDS management can be highly fulfilling – and through hard work, you can truly make a difference in the lives of many individuals who are affected by the disease. If you choose to embark on this rewarding career path, your day-job could consist of the following:

• Working with patients, and the friends and family members of patients, who have been infected by the virus. This could involve:
  • Answering their questions about the disease and helping them to get treatment at hospitals and/or clinics.
  • Assisting them in understanding and implementing health and nutrition guidelines to manage HIV/AIDS infection.
  • Creating awareness around what they can do to reduce the risk of spreading the infection.
• Getting involved in social awareness campaigns in relation to HIV/AIDS.
• Working in and with different communities to inform them about the virus (e.g. how it is transmitted, what the symptoms are, what treatment options are available, and what measures can be taken to reduce the risk of infection).
• Providing counselling to affected individuals.

Where would you work?

According to The Global Fund (a partnership organisation aiming to accelerate the end of AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria as pandemics), preventing the spread of HIV begins with education.

It has been found that partnerships between organisations such as The Global Fund, governments, NPOs, the private sector, and individuals affected by the disease have led to a decrease in the spreading of HIV and an increase in individuals who are receiving treatment and living their lives to the fullest. These partnerships educate the public about the prevention and management of HIV/AIDS via awareness campaigns and individual information sharing.

If you pursue a career in HIV/AIDS management, therefore, you might be employed by:

• A government department
• A non-profit organisation (NPO)
• A private company (possibly in the HR or health and safety department)
• An educational institution, such as a school, college, or university
• A medical institution (such as a hospital or clinic)

There are many ways in which you can get involved in HIV/AIDS management, but apart from the career opportunities available, you should also consider the specific skills that you need if you want to work in this field.

The skills and characteristics needed to succeed in a career in HIV/AIDS management include:

• Communication skills (you need to be able to communicate in the languages that are spoken in the local communities, or in the communities in which you will be working)
• Empathy
• Tactfulness
• Critical and analytical thinking skills
• Problem solving skills
• Conflict resolution skills
• Ability to cope under stress

The right educational background will also help you to succeed in a career in this field.

Already qualified? Start your HIV/AIDS management career today.