Aiming to strengthen the global response to AIDS, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF) today announced new guidelines on voluntary HIV testing and counselling.
Both partners in the endeavour stressed the value of action on the issue, citing studies from Côte d'Ivoire and India showing that when voluntary testing is integrated into sexual and reproductive health services, the stigma associated with HIV/AIDS is cut, awareness is raised and more people are likely to seek appropriate care.
"Linking HIV prevention and reproductive health provides an opportunity to reach the millions, especially women, who are vulnerable to infection," said UNFPA Executive Director Thoraya Ahmed Obaid.