This module focuses on STIs, HIV and AIDS as it relates to sexual and reproductive health. However, it is important to emphasize that the most effective way to have safe sexual reproductive health is through STIs and HIV infection prevention and management of AIDS in men and women.
Prevention of mother-to-child transmission should be linked to primary prevention programs that provide education of both men and women regarding the dangerous effects of cultural practices that encourage discrimination against women through local communities, about safer sex, condoms, diagnosis and treatment of other sexually transmitted infections and safe health practices. It is also important to emphasize that many of the interventions described in this module are dependent on the pregnant woman’s being accurately diagnosed as STIs and HIV-infected.
Voluntary or routine counselling and testing services are an important part of any effort to reduce STIs and HIV transmission and achieve optimum health of individuals, families and communities. While women are battling for equal rights throughout the international community, the existing power imbalance between men and women renders women particularly vulnerable to contracting HIV. As a result, many women can not exercise their fundamental human right to control their own sexuality. Inclusion of Gender, STIs, HIV and AIDS in this module intends to reverse gender inequalities by empowering women to assert their cultural, political, and economic rights without fear of retaliation, violence, or abandonment.
Research, monitoring and evaluation will facilitate evidence-based practice in sexual and reproductive health services.
Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this module learners shall be able to:
