HIV/AIDS: Diagnosis and Management in Primary Care
CPD Unit: 1 Point | 
1 Hour | 
15 Jan 2026
Overview
About
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is a virus that targets the immune system's CD4+ T cells which are
essential for combating infections. It is mainly sexually transmitted but may also be acquired through
sharing of infected needles or perinatally, mother passing to her child. If untreated, HIV can progress into
a debilitating, but potentially reversible condition known as Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS).
Hence, it is crucial for physicians to actively screen individuals at risk for acquiring HIV for early
initiation of antiretroviral therapy (ART).
HIV management consists of regular comprehensive
evaluation of people living with HIV (PLHIV) for timely treatment and prevention of disease progression.
Prophylaxis is available and recommended for high-risk, non-PLHIV individuals to reduce their risk of
getting the infection.
This e-learning module explores the topic of HIV and AIDS and focuses on the
screening, diagnosis, management, and prevention of HIV in primary care.
Learning outcomes
At the end of this learning module, participants should be able to:
- Identify key populations at higher risk for Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection.
- Explain the benefits of early detection and treatment of HIV.
- Interpret HIV screening/test results and plan the necessary course of action.
- Perform a comprehensive clinical history and physical examination and request appropriate laboratory tests during the initial HIV care visit.
- Outline the standard antiretroviral therapy/treatment (ART) and pre-exposure prophylaxis regimens.
- Monitor patients on ART appropriately.
- Describe the local situation of HIV and Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS).
Topics covered:
-
The 1,2,3,4,5,6 of HIV
- Definition of HIV and HIV Infection
- The Difference Between HIV and AIDS
- Modes of Transmission
- Body Fluids
- Preventive Measures / Messaging
- Key Affected Populations
- Typical Clinical Course of an Untreated HIV-infected Individual
- HIV Screening and Diagnosis
- HIV and Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)
- Initial Evaluation of People Living with HIV (PLHIV)
- Treatment and Treatment Monitoring
- Pre-exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP)
- HIV/AIDS Landscape in the Philippines
Speaker for this module:
Dr Lui Miguel J. Balbuena, RMT, MD
Medical Officer III from the Department of Health Central Visayas Center for Health Development (DOH
CV CHD)
Regional Program Coordinator for the National HIV, AIDS and STI Prevention and Control Program
(NASPCP)
Associate Member of the Philippine Society of Public Health Physicians (PSPHP)
Member of the Philippine College of Occupational Medicine (PCOM)
Member of the Cebu Medical Society (CMS)
Member of the Philippine Medical Association (PMA)
1 CPD Point Available
- Score at least 80% on the quiz.
- A certificate can be downloaded upon successful completion. Please use the information on the certificate to claim your CPD points.
Keywords: HIV, AIDS, Human Immunodeficiency Virus, Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, HIV management, HIV in primary care, antiretroviral therapy (ART), HIV Pre-exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP), sexually transmitted infections
In collaboration with:
Philippine Society of Public Health Physicians.