Women and young girls presently comprise more than 60% of those who are living with HIV in sub-Saharan Africa - and the numbers are continuing to grow. Any solution to the epidemic must acknowledge the devastating gender dynamics of AIDS and place women's empowerment at the center of programming and planning.
Presently, the global response to the HIV/AIDS epidemic is failing women, in particular, the current ABC approach to prevention. Physicians for Human Rights' Health Action AIDS Campaign is committed to mobilizing health professionals in support of a response that goes "Beyond ABC." To ensure protection of women's rights, programs and initiatives must address root causes of HIV/AIDS transmission such as widespread gender-based violence, stigma and discrimination, as well as inequalities and violations of economic, social, legal, health and educational rights.
Using the powerful voices of health professionals, the Health Action AIDS Campaign focuses its advocacy on three specific interventions to protect rights for women, prevent HIV transmission and improve women's overall health: building rights-based health systems, ensuring comprehensive prevention programs and educating health workers about implementing those programs.
RIGHTS-BASED HEALTH SYSTEMS
Addressing the health crisis in the poorest countries requires building public health systems that are capable of providing basic and comprehensive health services, especially for women and children.
COMPREHENSIVE PREVENTION PROGRAMS
Focusing on abstinence, being faithful and using condoms (ABC) does not take into consideration the unequal power dynamics present in marriages and societies around the world.Prevention programs must take into account the structural inequalities which leave women vulnerable to HIV/AIDS.
EDUCATED AND EMPOWERED HEALTH WORKERS
Health workers drive the public health system, yet many do not get the training or support they need to promote women's rights and health.
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