Dieticians

 Dieticians and Other Nutrition-Based Professionals

There continues to be a need for dietetic input into the project, particularly in the areas of teaching and supporting child focussed approaches to care.

If you are interested in volunteering, please see the information below which applies to all of our voluntary dieticians:

Qualifications

Registered dieticians, with preference given to those with experience in nutritional management of paediatric HIV, paediatric dietetics or extensive experience working with HIV infected adults.

Clinical experience

• A minimum of 18-24 months working directly with children and families - preferably those with HIV or other chronic health conditions - or extensive knowledge of HIV/AIDS and experience working with infected adults.
• Dieticians with experience working with HIV infected adults can also offer valuable assistance and with training and resources provided through mini-DHIVA can apply their knowledge and skills in the paediatric area.
• Experience working in a voluntary setting that includes the care or support of children with HIV infection as well as with their carers and families,
• An understanding of racial and cultural diversity and health attitudes in this population, the stigmatism and secrecy which surrounds HIV as well as the family dimension of paediatric HIV infection.

What will I be doing?

• Working with dietetic colleagues in the UK, as a member of mini-DHIVA, and in partnership with colleagues in KZN to help with the production of dietetic resources needed for the care of children both in the UK and the developing country setting.
• Working as part of a multidisciplinary team (MDT) in order to foster a holistic approach to health care.
• Providing support and mentorship to dieticians working in acute and community settings both in the UK and in rural KZN with HIV infected children and adults where appropriate.
• Providing support and advice to other organisations e.g. care homes, orphanages, where appropriate.
• Taking part in MDT teaching sessions including case studies that focus on the care of children living with HIV infection.
• Leading discussions, teaching and consultation as part of a MDT around nutritional issues both for children growing up with HIV infection and for their carers including adjustment and coping, loss and changes.
• Taking part in teaching/training seminars both in the UK and KZN.
• Being available to provide support as needed at the discretion of their professional coordinators.

What can I do to prepare?

It is expected that staff who visit KZN as a member of CHIVA Africa have contacted the dietetic co-ordinators for a discussion and assessment of their suitability for the programme in the first instance, have provided a CV, and are members of DHIVA.

Once suitability has been agreed a mentor (a dietician already involved and experienced in the project) will be assigned. This mentor will make contact for informal discussions prior to the first visit to KZN.

Potential volunteers should be aware of the teaching materials and resources which have been developed by the mini-DHIVA group for the project and this will be explained by the mentor.

 What happens when I return?

Upon return after each visit, the volunteers must submit a full trip report and evaluation to the CHIVA Africa coordinators and a reflective piece to their mentor prior to future visits.

 Other nutrition-based professionals

It is recognised that there are some other professions, outside dietetics, where individuals may have relevant nutrition experience and expertise which would be useful. For example public health nutritionists, nutrition nurse specialists, medics specialising in nutrition.

In order to become a CHIVA Africa volunteer it is expected that such individuals have an appropriate qualification recognised by their professional body which enables them to be an independent clinical practitioner or other worker.

In addition they would be expected to have the same amount of experience as documented above for dietetics to be able to volunteer.

 DHIVA and mini-DHIVA

DHIVA (Dieticians working in HIV/AIDS) group is a specialist group of the British Dietetic Association for dieticians working with the HIV population in the UK. In 2005 a subgroup comprising paediatric dieticians with experience of working with children and families living with HIV/AIDS (mini-DHIVA) was incorporated as a sub-group. This sub-group has produced resources for use in the UK, where previously no resources were available, as well as for CHIVA Africa. This is one way in which dieticians can contribute to the project even if they are not able to go to South Africa.

Contact

If you are a qualified dietician who is experienced in child and family work and would like to find out more about how you could contribute directly by going to KZN or indirectly through the mini-DHIVA group please do not hesitate to contact Julie Lanigan or Lisa Cooke to discuss this further.

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tel: 0207 905 2770

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tel: 0117 342 8802

Alternatively, please send an up to date CV and a brief statement of your experience with relevance to the project to:

Julie Lanigan

Professional Co-ordinator: CHIVA Africa

MRC-Childhood Nutrition Research Centre

Institute of Child Health and Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Trust

London

WC1N 1EH

If you are unable to visit South Africa yourself or do not yet have the appropriate nutrition/dietetic experience to join the teams visiting, there may be other ways you can get involved– so do not hesitate to contact Julie if you would like to know more.