The “Violations of Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights of women living with HIV in clinical and community settings in Uganda” study revealed that women living with HIV experience a wide range of Sexual Reproductive Health Rights (SRHR) violations, from misinformation and mistreatment or abuse during the process of seeking reproductive health services, to coerced and forced sterilization and forced / coerced abortions.
Further the study established that SRHR violations also occurred in homes and communities in form of restricted mobility to access care; gender-based violence; abandonment; limited decision-making on reproduction (limited choices on when, how and the number of children) and use of family planning; and forced/coerced termination of pregnancy by relatives or spouses.
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.
Community dialogues involving a massive campaign and sensitization of communities especially for men to increase their knowledge and appreciation of the SRHR of women living with HIV should be conducted.
Facilitate institutions and mechanisms to support women living with HIV.
Revive or establish both formal and informal institutions in the respective communities that support or could support women living with HIV who have experienced SRHR violation.
Promote psychosocial support to women experiencing SRHR violations through establishment of counseling services at the community level.
November 28, 2016
