Open AccessGynaecological and Reproductive Health Issues in HIV-Positive Women
Author(s) -
CO Agboghoroma
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
west african journal of medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 0189-160X
DOI - 10.4314/wajm.v29i3.68209
Subject(s) - medicine , infertility , reproductive health , human immunodeficiency virus (hiv) , transmission (telecommunications) , reproductive medicine , family medicine , health care , gynecology , obstetrics , pregnancy , population , environmental health , genetics , electrical engineering , biology , engineering , economic growth , economics
Women constitute over 60 percent of the HIV-infected population in sub-Saharan Africa. Highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) has improved the life span of people living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). Advances in scientific knowledge and management of the HIV-positive pregnant woman have also led to reduction in the risk of mother-to- child transmission (MTCT) of HIV. The gynaecological and reproductive health needs and care of the HIV-positive woman are poorly appreciated, suboptimal and largely neglected, with potential to negatively affect their quality of life and efforts at control of the HIV epidemic.