1. This project is funded by the European Union. Addressing the unmet sexual and reproductive health & rights of PLHIV Results from a baseline study in four states in India Authors: K. Biswas, T.R. Sri Manikandakumar, S. Grote, K. Pal, S. Mehta, J. Robertson India HIV/AIDS Alliance, New Delhi, India Abstract Number: WEPDE0103 Oral Poster Discussion Session: Track E Expanding Covering and Quality: Approaches to Scaling-Up 25 July 2012  13:00-14:00  Mini Room 3

2. Background & Methods Koshish: India HIV/AIDS Alliance and partners in four states implement the Koshish program with funding from the European Commission. The program builds advocacy capacity of PLHIV networks to promote better SRHR among PLHIV. The program carried out a baseline study to understand PLHIV SRHR needs and availability of services at the community level. 803 PLHIV aged 15-49 (49.9% female; 43.9% male; 6.2% transgender) were interviewed through systematic random sampling in five districts in each program state: – Tamil Nadu – Andhra Pradesh – Gujarat – Maharashtra

3. Results 78% of all respondents were aware of at least one contraceptive method. Approximately one quarter of respondents reported STI-related symptoms in the previous three months. 28% female respondents reported seeking maternal health advice during last pregnancy. 31% agreed that medical officers and nurses often deny thorough physical exams to women living with HIV. 40% of women living with HIV agreed that they have been advised not to have a baby Awareness of SRH Services and Service Uptake Aware Ever Availed Counselling on birth spacing 78.2%22.6% Medical termination of pregnancy 72.2%11.6% Contraceptive information 72.0%25.8% STI treatment 67.7%22.2% Pregnancy planning 62.9%26.3% RTI treatment 47.6%16.5% Amenorrhea treatment 35.0%7.8% Pap smear test 37.1%6.4%

4. Conclusions SRH awareness among PLHIV studied is inadequate. Findings show that there are frequent violations of the right of the PLHIV while accessing services. Based on the findings, Koshish works with PLHIV networks to increase demand for SRH services and supports advocacy with healthcare providers to expand the availability of PLHIV-friendly SRH services.

5. Thank you! Kaushik Biswas Manager: Monitoring & Evaluation India HIV/AIDS Alliance kbiswas@allianceindia.org Like Alliance India on Facebook: facebook.com/indiahivaidsalliance