Document Type

Brief

Publication Date

2008

Abstract

Women living with HIV in the Dominican Republic, Haiti, and Nicaragua are marginalized in many ways, including their access to family planning (FP) services. Making FP services accessible to persons living with HIV (PLWH) is one of four key strategies that WHO promotes in its comprehensive approach to prevent HIV infections in infants and young children. This strategy also increases the coverage and quality of FP services among a population commonly underserved and at high risk of unplanned pregnancy. Expanded access to antiretroviral therapy in many developing countries has improved the life expectancies and health of many PLWH who are resuming sexual activity and often need contraception. A recent FRONTIERS study in the Dominican Republic, Haiti, and Nicaragua shows that women living with HIV (WLWH) have unmet need for FP, and lack of coordination between HIV and FP programs is a contributing factor. The data in this brief come from interviews with WLWH receiving care in the Dominican Republic and Haiti, and results of a focus group discussion with WLWH in Nicaragua. Efforts should be made to link or coordinate FP services with the health care of persons living with HIV.

DOI

10.31899/rh14.1009

Language

English

Project

Frontiers in Reproductive Health

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