Plewman C, Booth R, Bukusi E, Mandara M, Mphuka S, Nakazibwe G, Saini F, Tsegaye F, Tubi A; International Conference on AIDS.
Int Conf AIDS. 2000 Jul 9-14; 13: abstract no. MoPeD2724.
C. Plewman, International Family Health, First Floor, Cityside House, 40 Adler Street, London, E1 1EE, United Kingdom, Tel.: +44 207 247 994, Fax: +44 207 247 9224, E-mail: cplewman@ifh.org.uk
Issue: The role and launch of the African Regional Forum of Religious Health Organisations (RHOs) in reproductive health Description: International Family Health (IFH) has developed partnerships with RHOs in Africa over five years. Religious Health Organisations provide treatment for complications of incomplete abortion (manual vacuum aspiration); post-treatment family planning and referral; STD syndromic management; HIV prevention counselling; and assistance with community care for PLWA (although not all RHOs may provide all these services). The Forum comprises RHOs from Christian (Catholic and Protestant) and Muslim backgrounds from six African countries in a south to south initiative. Preparatory meetings, including the first planning meeting at ICASA 1999 in Lusaka, show that RHOs will use their involvement in the Forum to shift the focus away from the differences between RHOs and secular reproductive health or donor organisations towards building bridges. The Forum will be launched at the XIII International AIDS Conference. Members will use the Forum to move forward the debate on integrated service delivery within their organisations, and advocate for improved sexual and reproductive health (particularly HIV/AIDS awareness, prevention and care) in their communities. The Forum has produced two newsletters of shared experience and professional interest, and intends to document how community needs in sexual and reproductive health can be met within a pragmatic framework which also respects the moral background of the providing organisation. Conclusion: Participants find the Forum a valuable resource as they seek to enhance the role of RHOs in providing quality integrated services, and the Forum hopes to involve more religious health organisations in a wider range of countries.
Publication Types:
Keywords:
- Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome
- Africa
- Congresses
- Counseling
- Delivery of Health Care
- Ethnic Groups
- Family Planning Services
- Female
- HIV Infections
- Health
- Health Planning
- Health Services
- Maternal-Child Health Centers
- Organizations
- Pregnancy
- Reproductive Medicine
- Research
- United States
- Zambia
- education
- organization & administration
Other ID:
UI: 102238475
From Meeting Abstracts