HIV, AIDS, and Sexually Transmitted Infections

Every 24 hours, an estimated 7,000 people are infected with HIV, and more than 1 million contract a
sexually transmitted infection (STI). Currently, an estimated 33.3 million people are living with HIV, and in
Sub-Saharan Africathe region hit hardest by the pandemicthe majority of 15- to 24-year-olds living
with HIV are female. Today, 23% of all people living with HIV are under age 24, while 35% of all new
infections happen among people between 15 to 24 years of age. Clearly, the need for quality HIV, AIDS,
and STI services is more important than ever.
While HIV treatment is becoming more widely available in developed countries, such treatment still
eludes many people living in the worlds poorest communities. Currently, health care systems in most of
the developing world struggle to provide even the most basic health services. In these places, not only is
medication often unavailable, but health care providers are not adequately trained to help clients prevent
HIV or STIs or to treat or counsel men and women living with HIV or AIDS. Additionally, health workers
often discriminate against people living with HIV and perpetuate the stigma surrounding HIV in their
workplaces and communities.
EngenderHealth is addressing these inequities in care by training healthcare providers, improving health
services, and advocating for national policies that respond to the needs of people living with HIV.
EngenderHealth is:
Improving access to critical HIV services, including HIV counseling and testing; HIV treatment,
care, and support; and prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV
Reducing stigma surrounding HIV and AIDS in health care settings
Improving the safety and effectiveness of existing clinical services, including reducing the risk of
transmitting HIV and other STIs
Integrating HIV and AIDS services with sexual and reproductive health services to better meet
clients comprehensive needs
Promoting the right of people living with HIV to access sexual and reproductive health care,
including family planning
Providing women, men, and youth with comprehensive information needed to make informed and
voluntary decisions about ways to prevent HIV and other STIs
Increasing access to adult male circumcision, a procedure proven to reduce the risk of acquiring
HIV from a female partner
Engaging men as partners in reproductive health
- See more at: http://www.engenderhealth.org/our-work/hiv-aids-
stis/index.php?gclid=CPPnopmA774CFVcMjgodCkEAuA#sthash.5QmfU6VR.dpuf