Integrating SRH and HIV/AIDS Services: Pathfinder International's Experience Synergizing Health Initiatives

According to this 16-page booklet, integrating services is an emerging need for sexual and reproductive health (SRH) and HIV/AIDS programmes for two main reasons. Funding streams and human resources are described as increasingly fragmented and there is a need for integrated programmes among many populations, including young, married women.

"Integration of family planning (FP) and sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services with HIV/AIDS services is an essential step in effectively maximizing impact and resources to confront the raging AIDS epidemic, elevated maternal and infant mortality rates, and the unmet need for contraception worldwide. A key component of SRH services, FP services are traditionally aimed at young women and married couples of reproductive age, while HIV/AIDS services often focus on vulnerable groups, such as young men, transport workers, and commercial sex workers. This vertical, targeted delivery of services results in increased programmatic vulnerability to both HIV/AIDS and maternal morbidity and mortality. “Repositioning” FP within the context of widening access to HIV/AIDS information and services is a crucial step in reducing this vulnerability. Furthermore, integrating FP/SRH and HIV/AIDS services expands the capacity and efficacy of health services by acknowledging a broader spectrum of interrelated health rights and needs." This document offers background on integration followed by programme descriptions of Pathfinder's integrated SRH projects worldwide. Different integration strategies and experiences are explored including the integration of FP/SRH services into HIV/AIDS care and support services as well as integration of HIV/AIDS into FP/SRH services for the general public or specifically for youth. The document concludes with a synthesis of lessons learned and challenges that remain in integration.