Women for Positive Action launch new educational tool on 'HIV and young women'

Date: Mar-11-2014In conjunction with International Women's Day (March 8, 2014), a practical and
educational tool on the topic of young women living with HIV has been developed by Women
for Positive Action (a global, multidisciplinary group of experts committed to addressing
the specific concerns of women living with HIV). This tool is designed to inspire
community and healthcare representatives to tackle the evolving challenges and support the
needs of girls living with HIV as they develop into young women.

"Young women aged 15-24 are particularly vulnerable to HIV, with infection rates twice
as high as in young men. Unfortunately, gender inequalities, discrimination and lack of
adequate targeted services often mean that these women fail to receive the services and
support they need" explains Angelina Namiba, Project Manager for Positively UK and Women
for Positive Action faculty member.

In line with this year's International Women's Day theme of 'Inspiring change', Women
for Positive Action faculty members, Lorraine Sherr, Mona Loutfy, Karine Lacombe and
Angelina Namiba have designed the 'HIV and Young Women' tool to help motivate those caring
for young women to look for new ways to assist them through their journey into adulthood
and support them to lead full and productive lives. Emotional wellbeing, including
depression, and anxiety, is just one of the challenges addressed. This can affect more
than 60% of those with perinatally acquired HIV specifically, and 30-60% of women living
with HIV overall;[1],[2] however peer, parent and teacher support are associated with
better emotional health outcomes.[3] Other topics covered include sexual health and
relationships as well as stigma and disclosure, with examples of how community-based
initiatives and counselling approaches can support girls as they develop into young women
and transition to adult care.

"Young women born with HIV are surviving into adulthood and beyond and often have
complex medical and psychological needs that should be managed appropriately to ensure
ongoing participation of women in their own care and prevention of HIV transmission"
explains Karine Lacombe, associate professor in the infectious and tropical diseases
department of Saint-Antoine Hospital (AP-HP), France and Women for Positive Action faculty
member. "Transition from paediatric to adult services, in particular, is a critical time
for young women, and it is essential that the multi-disciplinary team support women to
develop strong self-management and life skills in order to improve their outcomes."

Courtesy: Medical News Today Note: Any medical information available in this news section is not intended as a substitute for informed medical advice and you should not take any action before consulting with a health care professional.