Rapid Assessment of Sexual and Reproductive Health and HIV Linkages in Namibia

This ten-page summary highlights insights gained through an assessment process conducted in Namibia to better understand the linkages between sexual and reproductive health (SRH) and HIV/AIDS. The assessment was part of a multi-country initiative, conducted using an assessment tool developed in 2009 by the International Planned Parenthood Foundation, United Nations Population Fund, World Health Organisation, the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS, GNP+, the International Community of Women with HIV/AIDS, and Young Positives. This tool was created to support national assessments of the linkages between SRH and HIV at the policy, systems, and services levels and is being used within countries to determine priorities and shape national plans and frameworks for scaling up and intensifying linkages.

The assessment found that overall there is very little integration of SRH and HIV at the policy, systems, or services levels in Nambia. There are no specific national policies or guidelines on SRH/HIV linkages and service integration, and policies that mention integration are insufficient. Likewise, there is very little coordination, although some fora should be considered as an opportunity to strengthen integration. There is also limited existing capacity building and training systems to encourage integration. At the service level, while there is partial or minimal integration, CBOs would "welcome opportunities to provide integrated HIV and SRH services. Currently most lack knowledge and skills on SRH services and need to be empowered, in addition to being provided with material and financial support."

The report mentions that following the assessment, priority actions are being taken forward. For example, a technical committee is being established, and existing policies, guidelines, facilities, and training curricula are being reviewed. Sensitisation of health care providers at the service delivery level is being undertaken.

The summary report offers the following communication related recommendations, among others, as excerpted from the summary:

• Develop a policy or strategy for implementing linkages and integration between HIV and SRH programmes and services in Namibia. Such a policy or strategy must include strong advocacy and communication on HIV and SRH linkages and integration.
• Review and update existing curricula to accommodate training for health care providers on integrated service delivery.
• Conduct and support research to strengthen linkages and integration between HIV and SRH programmes and provide a basis for innovative approaches to linkages and integration between HIV and SRH services.
• Intensify advocacy and sensitisation on the link between HIV and SRH services. The Ministry of Health and Social Services (MOHSS) together with its collaborators should develop an advocacy and communications strategy/plan in this regard.
• Each health facility should strengthen community mobilisation activities and collaboration with community groups to deliver integrated services. The involvement of men and youth in service delivery should be promoted.
• The MOHSS and the development partners should actively support and assist community-based groups, faith-based organisations, and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in the form of training and capacity development as well as develop materials needed to deliver integrated HIV and SRH services.

Click here to access the assessment tool.

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