8 March 2012 - The Global Network of people living with HIV (GNP+) urges all stakeholders in the HIV response to better utilize opportunities to promote the health and dignity of women and girls, living with and affected by HIV.

“A lot more can be done to promote women´s and girls´ rights as part of the HIV response,” says GNP+ co-chair Anna Zakowicz.

Speaking on the eve of International Women’s Day, Ms. Zakowicz noted that “Many studies have conclusively shown that protecting women’s rights, not only reduces their vulnerability to HIV, but also increases their chances of accessing treatment, care and support when they are infected.  Women must be meaningfully engaged in researching, designing and implementing programmes in the HIV response, so that all opportunities to promote dignity and rights are fully exploited.”

Reflecting on the results of consultations with people living with HIV on the prevention of vertical transmission, which were carried out in partnership with the International Community of Women living with HIV (ICW), Ms Anna Zakowicz said: “Women living with HIV experience serious barriers in making informed choices about their sexual and reproductive health and rights."

"Removing structural and societal barriers that disempower women, such as gender-based violence and unequal access to education and income, ensuring access to full and accurate information, and providing a supportive environment for women to access services is key to promoting conditions where women’s full potential is realised.”