This project is funded by the European Union.

Addressing the unmet sexual and reproductive health & rights of PLHIVResults from a baseline study in four states in IndiaAuthors: K. Biswas, T.R. Sri Manikandakumar, S. Grote, K. Pal, S. Mehta, J. Robertson

India HIV/AIDS Alliance, New Delhi, India

Abstract Number: WEPDE0103Oral Poster Discussion Session: Track E

Expanding Covering and Quality: Approaches to Scaling-Up25 July 2012 13:00-14:00 Mini Room 3

Background & Methods• Koshish: India HIV/AIDS Alliance and partners in four

states implement the Koshish program with funding from the European Commission.

• The program builds advocacy capacity of PLHIV networks to promote better SRHR among PLHIV.

• The program carried out a baseline study to understand PLHIV SRHR needs and availability of services at the community level.

• 803 PLHIV aged 15-49 (49.9% female; 43.9% male; 6.2% transgender) were interviewed through systematic random sampling in five districts in each program state:

– Tamil Nadu– Andhra Pradesh

– Gujarat– Maharashtra

Results• 78% of all respondents were aware of at least one

contraceptive method. • Approximately one quarter of respondents

reported STI-related symptoms in the previous three months.

• 28% female respondents reported seeking maternal health advice during last pregnancy.

• 31% agreed that medical officers and nurses often deny thorough physical exams to women living with HIV.

• 40% of women living with HIV agreed that they have been advised not to have a baby

Awareness of SRH Services and Service Uptake

Aware Ever Availed

Counselling on birth spacing 78.2% 22.6%

Medical termination of pregnancy 72.2% 11.6%

Contraceptive information 72.0% 25.8%

STI treatment 67.7% 22.2%

Pregnancy planning 62.9% 26.3%

RTI treatment 47.6% 16.5%

Amenorrhea treatment 35.0% 7.8%

Pap smear test 37.1% 6.4%

Conclusions• SRH awareness among PLHIV studied is

inadequate.• Findings show that there are frequent

violations of the right of the PLHIV while accessing services.

• Based on the findings, Koshish works with PLHIV networks to increase demand for SRH services and supports advocacy with healthcare providers to expand the availability of PLHIV-friendly SRH services.

Thank you!

Kaushik BiswasManager: Monitoring & Evaluation

India HIV/AIDS Alliancekbiswas@allianceindia.org

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