Back to Annual Meeting Page		American Public Health Association 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition December 10-14, 2005 Philadelphia, PA

Abstract #109110

Karen Hardee, PhD, The Futures Group, 1 Thomas Circle, Suite 200, Washington, DC 20005, (202) 775-9680, k.hardee@futuresgroup.com

Background. Anecdotal evidence suggests that as international attention has turned to combating the HIV/AIDS Pandemic, focus on family planning and reproductive health programs has faltered.

Methodology: This paper presents findings from studies in four countries that examined the status of FP and HIV/AIDS interventions, the trends in funding for these two sectors, the situation of staff deployment in the health sector, including the impact the epidemic has had on personnel, and the role of NGOs and the private sector in the implementation of FP and HIV/AIDS services.

Findings/Conclusions: In all four countries, a continuing need for FP was articulated, including to meet the RH/FP needs of HIV+ women to have only wanted children. However, attention and funding for HIV/AIDS programs has shifted focus from FP, including among donors. It is unclear if FP programs are facing reduced or stagnant funding. Given the rising numbers of HIV+ people requiring health services, most programs are facing staffing shortages related to both FP and HIV. Programs are paying insufficient attention to universal precautions for staff in health centers. Some FP programs are facing staffing shortages related to staff moving from working on FP to HIV, particularly in NGOs; however, no programs reported that staff shortages were due to deaths among staff. Staff require training in FP and HIV to meet the dual needs of clients.

Learning Objectives:

• Participants will be able to explain issues related to family planning and reproductive health policies and programs in countries that are hard hit with HIV.

Keywords: International Reproductive Health, HIV/AIDS

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

I wish to disclose that I have NO financial interests or other relationship with the manufactures of commercial products, suppliers of commercial services or commercial supporters.

Recorded presentation