Reproductive Rights & Access to Care: Why They Matter on World AIDS Day

Every year on World AIDS Day, we are reminded not only of the global impact of HIV/AIDS, but also of how deeply it intersects with reproductive rights, sexual health, and access to compassionate, stigma-free care. For millions of women, girls, and gender-diverse people, reproductive health challenges and HIV vulnerability exist side by side. Ensuring access to accurate information and respectful services isn’t just good public health — it’s a matter of human rights.

What Is HIV/AIDS?

HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is a virus that weakens the immune system. If left untreated, it can progress to AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome), a stage where the immune system becomes severely damaged. Modern antiretroviral treatment (ART) allows people living with HIV to live long, healthy, full lives — and even reduce the virus to levels where it becomes undetectable and untransmittable (U=U). The real challenge today is no longer medical science — but access, equity, and the removal of shame.

What Kind of Care Do STIs and STDs Require?

Sexually transmitted infections — including HIV — are treatable, and many are curable. Yet too many people go untreated because of stigma, fear, or lack of accessible services.

Good sexual and reproductive healthcare includes:

1. Regular Testing

Testing is essential because many STIs have no early symptoms. Routine screening allows for early treatment and prevents complications such as infertility, chronic pain, pregnancy complications, and transmission to partners.

2. Accurate Diagnosis & Early Treatment

Conditions like chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, and trichomoniasis are curable with medication. HIV is not curable, but lifelong ART keeps the immune system strong and prevents transmission.

3. Holistic Sexual & Reproductive Support

Quality care should address:

• Contraception options

• Pre- and post-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP & PEP)

• Maternal health for women living with HIV

• Safe abortion access (where legal)

• Menstrual health

• Trauma-informed care for survivors of sexual or gender-based violence

These aren’t “luxuries” - they are essential components of healthcare.

4. Confidential, Non-Judgmental Services

Many people avoid clinics because they fear:

• Being judged

• Having their privacy violated

• Being denied care

• Facing discrimination

To truly support communities, services must be safe, confidential, and respectful.

Why Does Stigma Still Exist?

Despite progress, stigma remains one of the biggest barriers to care. This stigma often comes from:

1. Myths & misinformation

Many still believe HIV only affects certain “types” of people. In reality, anyone can contract an STI. Risk comes from behaviour, not identity.

2. Cultural silence around sex

In many communities, sexual health conversations are dismissed as “shameful.”Silence creates confusion, fear, and a lack of awareness - especially for young people.

3. Gender inequality

Women and girls are often blamed for infections, discouraged from seeking care, or denied autonomy over their health decisions. In contexts where gender-based violence is common, negotiating safe sex or accessing services becomes even harder.

4. Lack of youth-friendly, LGBTQ+-friendly care

When healthcare workers shame people for their sexuality, relationships, or identity, it leaves lasting trauma - and prevents people from returning for support. Stigma doesn’t just affect feelings - it affects health outcomes, delaying treatment and increasing vulnerability.

How Do We Break the Cycle of Stigma and Inequality?

Breaking the cycle of stigma and inequality requires us to normalize open, shame-free conversations about sexual health and ensure that testing and treatment are accessible, affordable, and available within communities. Education plays a critical role, empowering people with accurate information so they can make informed decisions about their bodies and relationships. Supporting survivors of gender-based violence with trauma-informed, confidential care is equally essential, as violence increases vulnerability to HIV and other reproductive health challenges. Protecting reproductive rights - such as access to contraception, maternal care, and HIV prevention - gives individuals control over their health and futures. Finally, combating stigma must happen across families, communities, and healthcare systems so that everyone can seek care without fear, judgment, or discrimination. Ending stigma is a shared responsibility, and when we commit to it, we create a healthier, more equal world for all.

On This World AIDS Day

Let's reaffirm a simple truth:Reproductive health is a human right. HIV care is a human right. Stigma-free health services are a human right. When we protect these rights, we protect lives - especially the lives of those most vulnerable.

This World AIDS Day, let’s stand together for dignity, access, equality, and the freedom to live healthy, informed, empowered lives.

#AmirrahImpact for #SRH