R Baryamutuma1, F Baingana. 1. Makerere University School of Public Health, SPH-CDC HIV/AIDS Fellowship Program, Kampala, Uganda. kabacwezi@yahoo.com
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Numbers of young people with perinatally acquired HIV is growing significantly. With antiretroviral drugs, children who get infected at birth with HIV have an opportunity to graduate into adolescence and adulthood. This achievement notwithstanding, new challenges have emerged in their care and support needs. The most dynamic being, their sexual and reproductive health needs and rights (SRHR). OBJECTIVES: This paper aimed at establishing the gaps at policy, program and health systems level as far as addressing sexual and reproductive health needs of young people who have lived with HIV since infancy is concerned. METHODS: This paper is based on a desk review of existing literature on sexual and reproductive health needs and rights of young positives. RESULTS: The results indicate young positives are sexually active and are engaging in risky sexual encounters. Yet, existing policies, programs and services are inadequate in responding to their sexual and reproductive health needs and rights. CONCLUSION: Against these findings, it is important, that policies specifically targeting this subgroup are formulated and to make sure that such policies result in programs and services that are youth friendly. It is also important that integration of Sexual Reproductive Health (SRH) and HIV services is prioritized.
BACKGROUND: Numbers of young people with perinatally acquired HIV is growing significantly. With antiretroviral drugs, children who get infected at birth with HIV have an opportunity to graduate into adolescence and adulthood. This achievement notwithstanding, new challenges have emerged in their care and support needs. The most dynamic being, their sexual and reproductive health needs and rights (SRHR). OBJECTIVES: This paper aimed at establishing the gaps at policy, program and health systems level as far as addressing sexual and reproductive health needs of young people who have lived with HIV since infancy is concerned. METHODS: This paper is based on a desk review of existing literature on sexual and reproductive health needs and rights of young positives. RESULTS: The results indicate young positives are sexually active and are engaging in risky sexual encounters. Yet, existing policies, programs and services are inadequate in responding to their sexual and reproductive health needs and rights. CONCLUSION: Against these findings, it is important, that policies specifically targeting this subgroup are formulated and to make sure that such policies result in programs and services that are youth friendly. It is also important that integration of Sexual Reproductive Health (SRH) and HIV services is prioritized.
Entities:
Keywords:
Adolescents living with HIV; HIV Programming; HIV and AIDS; HIV policies in Uganda; Young people living with HIV/AIDS; perinatally infected children; sexual and reproductive health needs; sexual and reproductive rights
Authors: T Frederick; P Thomas; L Mascola; H W Hsu; T Rakusan; C Mapson; J Weedon; J Bertolli Journal: Pediatr Infect Dis J Date: 2000-06 Impact factor: 2.129
Authors: Sabrina Bakeera-Kitaka; Nicolette Nabukeera-Barungi; Christiana Nöstlinger; Kekitiinwa Addy; Robert Colebunders Journal: AIDS Care Date: 2008-04
Authors: Kathy Goggin; Deborah Mindry; Jolly Beyeza-Kashesya; Sarah Finocchario-Kessler; Rhoda Wanyenze; Christine Nabiryo; Glenn Wagner Journal: Health Care Women Int Date: 2014-08-08
Authors: Constancia V Mavodza; Joanna Busza; Constance R S Mackworth-Young; Rangarirai Nyamwanza; Portia Nzombe; Ethel Dauya; Chido Dziva Chikwari; Mandikudza Tembo; Victoria Simms; Owen Mugurungi; Tsitsi Apollo; Bernard Madzima; Rashida A Ferrand; Sarah Bernays Journal: Front Glob Womens Health Date: 2022-05-19
Authors: Scovia Nalugo Mbalinda; Noah Kiwanuka; Lars E Eriksson; Rhoda K Wanyenze; Dan Kabonge Kaye Journal: Reprod Health Date: 2015-10-16 Impact factor: 3.223
Authors: Jennifer Ilo Van Nuil; Philippe Mutwa; Brenda Asiimwe-Kateera; Evelyne Kestelyn; Joseph Vyankandondera; Robert Pool; John Ruhirimbura; Chantal Kanakuze; Peter Reiss; Sibyl P M Geelen; Janneke H van de Wijgert; Kimberly R Boer Journal: PLoS One Date: 2014-08-05 Impact factor: 3.240