Family planning needs in the context of the HIV/AIDS epidemic: findings from a three-country assessment covering Kenya, South Africa and Zimbabwe

Pierre Ngom, Family Health International
Rose Wilcher, Family Health International
Maureen Kuyoh, Family Health International
Hazel M. Dube, Zimbabwe National Family Planning Council
Sonja Martin
Joshua Kimani, Family Health International
Tara Nutley, Family Health International
Ndugga Maggwa, Family Health International

One of the key contours of the post-ICPD era is the broadening of family planning programs to encompass reproductive health needs and rights. In sub-Saharan Africa, such an agenda has been blurred by HIV/AIDS, the leading cause of death among women and men of reproductive ages. Family planning programs are key pillars to the prevention of HIV infections and unwanted pregnancies. However, we do not know much about how the HIV/AIDS epidemic is impacting on family planning needs, services, and policies. Family Health International, in collaboration with Ministries of Health in Kenya, South Africa and Zimbabwe, has recently conducted an assessment of how the HIV/AIDS epidemic is affecting family planning in these countries. This paper presents findings from this assessment, namely: the current status of FP and HIV/AIDS, needs and opportunities for FP programs and services, and possible strategies for strengthening FP programs in the context of the HIV/AIDS epidemic.