Objective: to strengthen the programmatic and policy links between sexual and reproductive health and HIV
Linking sexual and reproductive health (SRH) and HIV is now widely accepted as a way of providing comprehensive and integrated services.
Internationally there is increased recognition of the role sexual and reproductive health providers can play in the HIV epidemic by linking HIV into their work. From providing family planning in a voluntary counselling and testing session to ensuring that antiretroviral therapy can be provided by a SRH clinic, it is clear that HIV, sex and reproduction are intimately linked.
Integrating HIV treatment and care services into an SRH setting delivers a number of primary benefits to both clients and service providers.
It optimizes the use of existing SRH infrastructure, an especially valuable approach in resource-poor settings. Being able to access different services ‘under one roof’ reduces the time, money and effort clients have to spend seeking healthcare and, therefore, encourages the use of these services.
Globally, IPPF works to influence HIV-related policy on a variety of issues, including increasing access to treatment and care, family planning services for HIV positive women, and eliminating stigma.
In all of our work, we support the integration of HIV and SRH. The links between these two sectors are beginning to be recognized in policies and realized in partnerships between organizations.
Strategic national and international partnerships give greater numbers of people access to integrated HIV and SRH services.
IPPF Member Associations have been cementing partnerships with organizations and institutions that work with key vulnerable populations and exploring new ways of expanding access to a wider range of sexual and reproductive health services.
These partnerships and alliances also increase opportunities for advocacy and capacity building at country and international levels.
While the idea of links has been generally accepted, questions of cost, efficiency, impact and identifying the most effective entry points for programmatic integration remain largely unanswered.
These are the areas that we are currently addressing, as answering the ‘how’ of integration will provide an opportunity to strengthen both the resolve and commitment of donors and governments.
IPPF uses advocacy, capacity building and partnerships to provide information and services at the community level – where it is needed most. We work to ensure that the inherent links between HIV and SRH become a tangible reality.
Resources
Linkages: Evidence Review and Recommendations
Rapid Assessment Tool for Sexual and Reproductive Health and HIV Linkages: a generic guide