Reproductive choices for women with HIV
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Authors
Wilcher, Rose;Cates, Willard;
Issue Date
2009
Type
Journal / periodical articles
Language
Keywords
Policy and Practice
Alternative Title
Abstract
Description
Access to reproductive health services for women with HIV is critical to ensuring their reproductive needs are addressed and
their reproductive rights are protected. In addition, preventing unintended pregnancies in women with HIV is an essential component of a
comprehensive prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) programme. As a result, a call for stronger linkages between sexual
and reproductive health and HIV policies, programmes and services has been issued by several international organizations. However,
implementers of PMTCT and other HIV programmes have been constrained in translating these goals into practice. The obstacles
include: (i) the narrow focus of current PMTCT programmes on treating HIV-positive women who are already pregnant; (ii) separate,
parallel funding mechanisms for sexual and reproductive health and HIV programmes; (iii) political resistance from major HIV funders
and policy-makers to include sexual and reproductive health as an important HIV programme component; and (iv) gaps in the evidence
base regarding effective approaches for integrating sexual and reproductive health and HIV services.
However, we now have a new opportunity to address these essential linkages. More supportive political views in the United States
of America and the emergence of health systems strengthening as a priority global health initiative provide important springboards
for advancing the agenda on linkages between sexual and reproductive health and HIV. By tapping into these platforms for advocating
and by continuing to invest in research to identify integrated service delivery best practices, we have an opportunity to strengthen ties
between the two synergistic fields.
Citation
Publisher
WHO