Breakthrough - Women and HIV / AIDS

Discussion Highlights

• HIV and AIDS needs to be considered in the broader context of sexual and reproductive health and rights

• Discrimination stops people getting testing and accessing treatment, and fuels the spread of HIV and AIDS

• unding needs to be directed to addressing intimate partner transmission, which is high in the region

• Food, security and poverty drive risky behaviour

• There are links between education and reduced risks

• Gender analysis and proper needs assessment is needed

• We need positive dialogue with faith-based organisations about condoms and contraception

Recommendations

• That the alliance be representative of the region and include faith leaders, donors and private sector, community and government leaders and HIV positive groups

• That the alliance:

- lobbies for increased investment in integrated sexual and reproductive health services and research

- promotes faith based leadership in supporting people living with HIV

- shares resources, expertise and good practices, promotes partnership and opportunities for training and networking

- engages in joint-advocacy

- collaborates to overcome stigma and discrimination and promote cultural change