The Basics: Linking HIV and sexual and reproductive health
Practical linkages are the best way to optimise limited resources and work towards universal access to sexual and reproductive health and HIV prevention, treatment, care and support. The overwhelming majority of HIV infections are sexually transmitted or associated with pregnancy, childbirth and breastfeeding.
Poor sexual and reproductive health and greater vulnerability to HIV share common roots, including poverty and gender discrimination. Sexual and reproductive health services are the most logical and accessible entry points for HIV prevention, treatment, care and support.A comprehensive literature review found that linking HIV and sexual and reproductive health was beneficial and feasible in family planning clinics, HIV counselling and testing centres and HIV clinics. The review found net savings in programmes that integrated HIV and STI prevention into maternal and child health services. Linked programmes and services also saw an increase in condom use and knowledge of HIV and STIs.
Bi-directional linkages between sexual and reproductive health and HIV policies and programmes can lead to important public health, socio-economic and individual benefits.
• Improved access to and uptake of key HIV and SRH services
• Better access for people living with HIV to SRH with services tailored to their needs
• Reduction in HIV-related stigma and discrimination
• Improved coverage of underserved, vulnerable and most at risk populations
• Greater support for ‘dual' protection against STIs and pregancies
• Improved quality of care
• Decreased duplication of efforts and competition for resources
• Better understanding and protection of individuals' rights
• Mutually reinforcing complementarities in legal and policy frameworks
• Enhanced programme effectiveness and efficiency
• Better utilisation of scarce human resources for health.
This information is sourced from briefing cards on SRH and the MDGs produced by Family Care International in 2005 and two key documents:
1) Sexual & Reproductive Health and HIV Linkages: Evidence Review and Recommendations. Prepared and published by WHO/HIV, UNFPA, IPPF-HIV, UNAIDS, UCSF, 2008.
2) Rapid Assessment Tool for Sexual & Reproductive Health and HIV Linkages: A Generic Guide, prepared and published by IPPF, UNFPA, WHO, UNAIDS, GNP+, ICW and Young Positives, 2009.
