International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics

Providing family planning services in developing countries could be more cost-effective than rolling out medication to curb the spread of HIV/Aids.

According to the Stanford University School of Medicine, improving the availability of hormonal implants, intra-uterine devices and other forms of long-term contraception could have a significant impact on the prevalence of the disease.

This, it said, is because many women infected with HIV are having unplanned babies, which means taking steps to reduce the birth rate could help stop the virus being transmitted unnecessarily.

A study by Stanford University School of Medicine discovered that improving access to family planning makes women feel empowered with regards to their sex lives.

Research also showed that females are more prepared to openly discuss the fact they have HIV with their partner if they have contraception and information on family planning available.

The higher education institution added that in sub-Saharan Africa, where HIV/Aids is a particularly big problem, approximately four out of ten pregnancies are not planned.

Posted by Carla Mackenzie