The participants of the ICWEA study titled “Violations of Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights of women living with HIV in clinical and community settings in Uganda” agreed that all women -regardless of their HIV status- have a right to engage in sexual relations, get pregnant, have children, access SRH information, use family planning methods of their choice. But group discussions and key informant interviews revealed that most respondents had limited factual knowledge and awareness about women’s Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights and existing policies and guidelines, which leaves women living with HIV vulnerable and exposed to violations.
ICWEA therefore demands:
Training and sensitization of health workers on the provision of quality and non-discriminatory care, encouraging them to provide the right information to women living with HIV as well as adhering to the ethics of modern health care anchored in the principle of informed consent and respect for human rights.
Engrain regular provision of SRHR information and knowledge to women living with HIV in all HIV&AIDS and SRHR programmes.
Conduct community dialogues involving massive campaigns and sensitization of communities especially men to increase their knowledge and appreciation of the SRHR of women living with HIV.
November 27, 2015
