Innovative approaches to the prevention of HIV/AIDS among the female population

Krastovska R1. , Stevanovic M1. , 1 University Clinic for Infectious Diseases and Febrile Conditions, Skopje, R.Macedonia

Prevention among female population in Macedonia

In the National AIDS strategy (2007-2011), as a fundamental document for the prevention of HIV/AIDS, there are groups of women who are not enough emphasized: Young women, Minorities RefugeesWomen coming from rural areasWomen victims of trafficking

They have one common characteristic-they live apart from all HIV prevention programs developed for such vulnerable groups

What are the weaknesses in HIV prevention actions

General traditional and patriarchal values Distrust in public health institutions in terms of confidentiality and protection of patients’ rights

The comparative analysis of the data of stationary VCT service at the University Clinic for Infectious Diseases and Febrile Conditions in Skopje (2009-2011), with the general epidemiological picture of HIV infection in Macedonia

A qualitative study have been undertaken using documents, national researches and semi-structured questionnaires, which included a questionnaire about personal, demographic and sexual behavior of clients using VCT service.

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MaleFemale

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MaleFemale

Male 69,5%Female 30,5%

Male 74%Female 26%

Promoting concept of 3C – consent, confidentially and counseling in health institutions

An approach by integrated counseling on SRH and HIV

HIV counseling can be put into practice as a mandatory counseling and an opportunity should be offered to patients to undergo HIV testing

Where a visiting a gynecologist is rarely practiced, counseling as SRH service needs to be implemented by GP’s

Danish organization Cross-Over showing a different perspective of de-stigmatism and breaking the prejudice about HIV testing: offered “flying nurses”, meaning that they go to a place where clients feel comfortable to do the counseling and testing- highly visible tend advertising for the Checkpoint about HIV test but also BMI, blood pressure, blood sugar measurement

Gender oriented approach in HIV prevention programs for female-hard-to-reach population is very important

Services should be adapted and accessible to deferent vulnerable groups of women and should be subject to early diagnosis and treatment.

Development of National protocols for General Practitioners and gynecologists for education and offering of HIV counseling and testing

Establishing partnerships of public and non-governmental structures will provide wide-ranging approaches in female’s SRH and scaling of HIV testing.