• Links between SRH and HIV/AIDS

Links between SRH and HIV/AIDS

This article looks at the major contribution of sexual and reproductive health programmes to the fight against the HIV/AIDS pandemic. It highlights the importance of sexually transmitted infection (STI) control for HIV/AIDS control as well as for reproductive and sexual health, and argues for more joining up of services in these areas to reach more people and achieve maximum impact.

Its major recommendations are as follows:

• Continued provision of existing services
• Focus on approaches which have been most effective and feasible
• Shift in focus to dual protection approach and HIV prevention
• Expanded outreach to those most at risk of STIs/HIV
• Integrating condom promotion and sexual health education into family planning services
• Joint provision of services or joint referral for core groups, for example antenatal care for adolescents or core transmitters of HIV.

Obstacles to successful integration of these services include social stigma and the perception that services are targeted at married and fertile women. Change is required in these areas to build on the most effective approaches and improve uptake, alongside improved capacity and infrastructure.

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