In Uganda, all Medical and Dental Practitioners must participate in Continuing Professional Development (CPD) training and earn the required Continuing Education Units (CEUs) within 12 months to qualify for an Annual Practicing Licence (APL). This requirement ensures that practitioners continually enhance their professional competence and stay updated with advancements in medical and dental practices.
CPD aims to improve the quality of care provided by medical and dental professionals to individuals, families, and communities. It strengthens health workers’ technical skills and knowledge in various areas, including healthcare delivery, leadership, management, ethics, communication, and human rights. Through CPD, practitioners refine their expertise and remain aligned with evolving industry standards.
The Uganda Medical and Dental Practitioners Council (UMDPC) oversees CPD training and accreditation, ensuring the availability of quality programs. While UMDPC conducts its own CPD programs, it also accredits other institutions to provide training nationwide. Among these accredited organizations is the Joint Clinical Research Centre (JCRC), which plays a crucial role in delivering CPD training to medical and dental practitioners across the country.
More About CPD – The Annual HIV Update Meeting
The Annual HIV Update Meeting is a key CPD activity organized by the Joint Clinical Research Centre (JCRC) in collaboration with the Uganda Ministry of Health (MoH) and other partners. Since 2008, it has provided healthcare workers managing HIV clinics with updates on the latest research findings and advancements in HIV care, prevention, and treatment from international conferences. The meeting targets clinicians, policymakers, researchers, nurses, counselors, clinical officers, and other personnel involved in HIV service delivery and research across Uganda.
The meeting features expert speakers, both local and international, who share their experiences in HIV patient management and research. It follows a training and knowledge-sharing approach, allowing participants to learn from successes and challenges in HIV prevention, treatment, and research. The program includes updates from the Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections (CROI), and in recent years, representatives from Rwanda, Kenya, South Sudan, and Tanzania have contributed country-specific presentations on their HIV/AIDS responses.
Typically held over three days in either a physical or hybrid format, the meeting also includes case presentations from healthcare workers across Uganda. All attendees, including JCRC staff, register online and receive CPD credits upon completion, which contribute to the renewal of their annual practicing licenses. This platform ensures that healthcare professionals remain informed and continuously improve their expertise in HIV care.
