Reaches the largest number of clients of any HIV service

Reaches both HIV+ and HIV− clients

Reaches men, youth and unmarried women who may not use traditional family planning programmes

Opportunity for all clients to avoid initial or subsequent unintended pregnancy

VCT typically provides only a one-time contact with client

HIV+ clients may not be ready to absorb family planning messages

Requires referral systems, which are often weak, for initial supply, resupply and follow-up for complications and side effects

Reaches clients of reproductive age with high probability of future pregnancy and with known HIV+ status

Most PMTCT clients are reached during antenatal care, a time when family planning messages may not resonate with clients

Difficulties reaching women in the postpartum period and beyond for follow-up family planning services

Reaches only HIV+ clients, thereby maximising opportunities to prevent HIV+ births

Repeat visits allow for repeated messages, resupply, follow-up for complications/side effects and to meet changing fertility desires

Unmet need may be lower because clients may be older, ill, and/or not sexually active compared with clients in other HIV services

May create new contraceptive users if the availability of the HIV services attracts clients who do not typically access family planning services

May not reach those at high risk of HIV infection

May increase uptake of HIV services among family planning clients, particularly VCT services, thereby allowing providers to tailor contraceptive counselling based on client’s HIV status

Opportunity for HIV prevention counselling among women of reproductive age

The additional financial resources for HIV services may bolster existing family planning staff and facilities

Availability of more comprehensive services and support for family planning clients may help improve contraceptive adherence and continuation