HIV is not only determined by gender inequality, but it also bookmarks gender unfairness, leaving women more vulnerable to its impact. According to UNAIDS, girls and women represent more than half of the 36.7 million people living with HIV; around 7,000 young women aged 15–24 years become infected with HIV every week and 80% of pregnant women living with HIV had access to antiretroviral medicines to prevent transmission of HIV to their babies in 2017.

Providing sexual and reproductive health interventions for women living with HIV, which are grounded in principles of gender equality, can have a positive impact on their quality of life. In many countries, women living with HIV do not have proper access to good-quality health services.

Health interventions related to the sexual and reproductive health services (SRHS) of women living with HIV, need to be organized into specific services, mainly focused on sexual health counseling, violence against women, family planning and infertility, antenatal care and maternal health, safe abortion; sexually transmitted infections and cervical cancer. The interventions need to consider cultural, economic, geographic location, social and legal factors, including gender norms and power relations. It is also important to consider religious and cultural beliefs, stigma and discrimination related to HIV and other demographic factors, as age, gender, sexuality, social class, disability, ethnicity and race. SRHS programs need to provide equitable services that are people-centered, accessible, acceptable and affordable.

It is essential to address the barriers, improve the quality of care and provide continuous training for health professionals. Moreover, women living with HIV need to be made aware of their rights and empowered to benefit themselves of these offered services and health professionals should help them understand their reproductive goals, while safeguarding their human rights.

Disclosure No significant relationships.