
I work for PSI Swaziland as an HIV testing and counseling coordinator; we are currently working in partnership with the ministry to integrate HIV to SRH issues.
This pilot project is funded by IPPF.
Swaziland is currently incorporating HIV to SRH issues and the key issue is that health service providers to HIV positive clients don't counsell for Family Planning, under the assumption that they should be always using condoms.
Dual contraception is currently being introduced and the FP guidelines have been successfully revised to include HIV testing and counselling as a standard of care.
The other interesting observation was with Voluntary Counselling and Testing services where a client would share that she is not using any contraception, but does not want to have a child; this is a clear sign that FP service demand has not been created to satisfactory levels. On referral these clients are willing to use FP.
The issue of human resource is coming up with every service delivery, but the need for capacity building can not be over emphasized to prepare health workers to talk openly about HIV issues with every service delivery.
Incorporating HIV counseling to all health services will with time remove the feeling that it is an added function to what they are already doing.
What has also helped in increasing compliance to integration of HIV to SRH is the communication to the health providers that "denying clients total care is a liability;" it sounds too strong but it increases responsibility.
The issue of culture can also not be ignored in an environment where most women can not take decisions about their sexuality and fertility, which is even more reason to advocate for SRH/HIV integration.