An analysis of family planning content in HIV/AIDS, VCT, and PMTCT policies in 16 countries

This working paper from the POLICY Project analyses how international guidelines and national policies on HIV/AIDS, voluntary counselling and testing (VCT) and prevention of mother-to-child-transmission (PMTCT) address family planning. Looking at 16 countries with high HIV prevalence, the study finds that more than three-quarters of the policies reviewed mention family planning. However, the primary focus tends to be on referral to family planning services, provision of information on contraceptives, or the equipping of family planning clinics with HIV/AIDS facilities.

The authors note that the HIV/AIDS pandemic has diverted international attention from family planning. However, they argue that family planning is closely related to the VCT and PMTCT components of HIV/AIDS services, and should be addressed as a key element in HIV prevention activities. The paper concludes by outlining strategies for achieving effective integration of family planning into VCT and PMTCT. Key recommendations include: stronger links between maternal and child health and family planning departments; greater emphasis on human and reproductive rights and gender; a sharper focus on fertility choices for HIV-positive women; more emphasis on dual protection and the inclusion of family planning issues in HIV counselling; and the recognition of adolescents as a specific target group. [adapted from author]