The International Community of Women Living with HIV West Africa (ICWWA) has called on the federal government and other West African governments to involve more women and girls living with HIV in the planning and implementation of HIV programmes at all levels.
The call is contained in a communique signed in Abuja, by its board Chair,
Astou Diop, during a 4-day training towards providing leadership at the regional and national levels.
The communique raised alarm over what it called an “Unconditional switching/transitioning of women living with HIV to “care-providers preferred ARV regimen” without information and consultation.
It also noted that there is a rising discriminatory attitude of healthcare providers towards women and adolescents living with HIV when accessing health/HIV services.
According to the communique, the Anti Retroviral Treatment (ART) guidelines and its implementation by healthcare providers do not consider the rights of women living with HIV to choices and preferences of Anti Retro Viral (ARV) drugs.
“There is a low demand for viral load testing, coverage and collection of EID test results among HIV+ mothers due to lack of information and effective follow-up.
“The disclosure of HIV status by healthcare providers without consent has left many women living with HIV homeless,” the communique said.
“There is poor political leadership, dwindling funding for HIV/AIDS, unfavorable legal environment, lack of patient-centered care and lack of respect for human rights inclusive of sexual and reproductive health rights are some of the reasons that hinders the fight against the AIDS epidemic,” it added.
The ICWWA therefore urged government to fulfill the highest attainable standard of health for all the citizens, calling on leaders to ensure that women are consulted to make informed decision and choice of preference with respect to ARV regimen.
“Government should ensure meaningful engagement of women and adolescent girls living with HIV in the planning, implementation and monitoring of HIV programmes. And ensure that all HIV/AIDS and sexual and reproductive health services are free and accessible and respect the rights and dignity of people living with HIV including the key population,” it said.
“Government should also Increase domestic funding for HIV/AIDS and accelerate the implementation of West and Central Africa Catch-Up Plan for attainment of 90-90-90 targets, it added.
Participants at the 4-day training were drawn from Ghana, Senegal, Togo, Nigeria, Sierra-Leone, Liberia, Burkina-Faso and Cote d’Ivoire.
