Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) continues to be one of the most important public health topics in the UK and worldwide. With the right knowledge and care approach, people living with HIV can lead long, healthy, and fulfilling lives.
This free HIV Awareness online course is designed for professionals working in health and social care who want to understand HIV, challenge stigma, and promote inclusive, compassionate care.
Why Take This eLearning Course?
HIV awareness is essential for everyone working in care and support roles. Understanding how HIV is transmitted, treated, and managed can improve care quality, reduce stigma, and help create safer, more supportive environments for both staff and people who use services.
This course will help you:
- Understand the science and facts about HIV and AIDS.
- Challenge stigma, discrimination, and misinformation.
- Apply infection control practices confidently and correctly.
- Provide person-centred support to people living with HIV.
- Understand confidentiality, legal protections, and equality duties.
- Promote inclusive, non-judgemental attitudes in the workplace.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this course, learners will be able to:
- Define HIV and AIDS and describe how they differ.
- Understand how HIV affects the immune system and how transmission occurs.
- Identify ways HIV is not transmitted to help reduce unnecessary fear or stigma.
- Explain infection prevention and control measures in care settings.
- Recognise common myths and misconceptions and know how to challenge them.
- Describe current treatments such as antiretroviral therapy (ART) and their effectiveness.
- Understand the emotional and psychological impact of living with HIV.
- Identify the legal rights and confidentiality protections for people living with HIV.
- Provide practical support for individuals and colleagues living with HIV.
- Promote inclusive, supportive workplace cultures and equality in care.
HIV Awareness Course Outline
Module 1: Introduction to HIV and AIDS
Learners will gain a clear understanding of what HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) and AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) are, and how they differ. The module explains how HIV affects the immune system and how advances in treatment have transformed HIV into a manageable long-term condition. Learners will also explore the importance of HIV awareness in health and social care, including the role of regular testing, confidentiality, and non-discriminatory practice.
Module 2: Myths and Facts
This module challenges common myths and misconceptions about HIV and AIDS, replacing them with accurate, evidence-based information from UK health authorities. Learners will examine how stigma and discrimination affect people living with HIV, both personally and socially, and understand their duty to promote inclusion and respect in care environments. Practical examples demonstrate how to challenge misinformation sensitively and effectively.
Module 3: Transmission and Infection Control
Learners will understand how HIV is transmitted and, importantly, how it is not transmitted. The module covers the biological pathways of infection, helping to dispel fear and misunderstanding. Learners will also explore infection prevention and control (IPC) measures relevant to health and social care settings—such as use of personal protective equipment (PPE), safe handling of sharps, and hygiene standards—aligned with UKHSA and NHS infection control guidance. A knowledge check reinforces safe and confident practice.
Module 4: Medical and Psychological Care
This module provides an overview of current HIV treatments, including antiretroviral therapy (ART), how it works to suppress the virus, and how it enables people living with HIV to live long and healthy lives. Learners will also explore the psychological and emotional aspects of living with HIV, such as managing stigma, mental wellbeing, and accessing peer or counselling support. Examples of holistic care approaches show how integrated physical, psychological, and social care promotes wellbeing.
Module 5: Confidentiality and Legal Rights
Learners will examine the importance of confidentiality for people living with HIV and understand the legal frameworks that protect their rights, such as the Equality Act 2010 and Data Protection Act 2018 (GDPR). The module discusses best practice for handling sensitive health information, ensuring privacy, and preventing unlawful disclosure. Learners will also consider the ethical implications of maintaining trust and dignity when supporting individuals with HIV.
Module 6: Supporting Individuals and Staff
In the final module, learners will explore how to support people living with HIV in a range of settings, including relationships, sexual health, and workplace inclusion. The module highlights practical ways to promote sexual health awareness, encourage testing, and create inclusive, stigma-free environments. It also addresses how to support employees who are living with HIV through fair policies, workplace adjustments, and access to wellbeing support. A concluding knowledge check reinforces key learning outcomes and professional responsibilities.
Target Audience
This course is suitable for:
- Health and social care workers in all settings
- Support workers and key workers in community or residential care
- Managers and supervisors responsible for workplace equality and inclusion
- Students and trainees in health, social care, or public health fields
- Anyone seeking to increase awareness and understanding of HIV in care contexts
No prior knowledge of HIV is required. The course is suitable for all levels of experience.
FAQ
How long does the course take?
The course takes around 1 hour, depending on your learning pace.
Will I receive a certificate?
Yes. On completion, you’ll receive a digital HIV Awareness Training Course certificate.
Is the course relevant to UK law and practice?
Yes. It is aligned with UK legislation, including the Equality Act 2010 and Data Protection Act 2018.
HIV is no longer a terminal condition, but stigma and misunderstanding still exist. Care workers and health professionals play a vital role in changing attitudes, supporting individuals with dignity, and ensuring equality of care.
By completing this course, you’ll gain the confidence and understanding to provide compassionate, informed support — helping to reduce stigma and improve lives.
Enrol on the HIV Awareness Training Course today
Learn how to provide inclusive, respectful, and evidence-based care for people living with HIV — and promote understanding across your workplace.
HIV Awareness Training Course CPD Accredited and Government Funding
We’re working on getting this HIV Awareness Training Course CPD accredited, and any course that’s approved will be clearly labelled as CPD accredited on the site. Not every health and social care course has to be accredited to help you meet CQC expectations – what matters is that staff are competent, confident and properly trained for their roles under Regulation 18. Our courses are built to support those requirements, and because they’re not government funded there are no eligibility checks or ID needed – you can enrol and start learning straight away.
