A new report urges for the integration of reproductive health services with HIV prevention strategies to better address the global threat of HIV to women. The report, published by the Alan Guttmacher Institute (AGI) and the Joint United Nations Program of AIDS (UNAIDS) in collaboration with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF), calls for overcoming financial shortfalls and the resistance to acknowledge women’s and adolescents’ sexuality, reports UN News Service, because “reproductive health service providers could make a significant contribution in closing the gap in HIV prevention.”
According to the report, reproductive health providers have the knowledge and skills to adequately address the alarming spread of HIV/AIDS amongst women. In addition, these providers have access to reproductive-aged women, who account for nearly half of the adults living with HIV worldwide. According to the report, reproductive health providers could provide HIV counseling and condom promotion; prevention, diagnosis and treatment of sexually transmitted diseases that could increase the risk of HIV transmission; and assist HIV-positive women in preventing unwanted pregnancies to reduce the chances of transmitting HIV to infants.
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