A right to care: Piloting a human rights-based approach to reproductive health for women living with HIV-AIDs in India

Objective: To improve the access to quality Sexual and Reproductive Health services for HIV positive women in India using a rights-based approach.

Methods: A qualitative methodology had been used in a base line study to access the needs of the women living with HIV (WLH) and service providers of the two districts of Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh states. Trainings using EngenderHealth training material customized to client/service provider and state requirements to build the capacity of two Non-Governmental Organization clinics (Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh) to deliver comprehensive Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) services, IEC and develop referral links between NGO clinics and Public Health facilities.

Results: Higher percentage of trained providers, out-reach workers, peer educators with increased knowledge and improved attitudes regarding SRH rights of WLH. Number of follow-up visits for technical support increased. Best practices documented and a advocacy brief prepared.

Conclusion: Unmet need for capacity building of service providers to address the SRH needs of WLH. The project has provided an effective model that could be replicated throughout the country. The integration of SRH services with HIV services not only provides services to the WLH under one umbrella but also saves billions of dollars in resources poor settings.