HIV counselling for women of reproductive age

As the HIV pandemic has evolved over the past decade, the numbers of women affected by this virus have swelled. HIV counselling and testing is increasingly becoming a standard of obstetric and gynaecological practice, and women's health-care providers will need to incorporate the appropriate knowledge and skills in order to provide these services. This article discusses preparation for integrating HIV counselling and testing into the women's health-care setting and the provision of HIV pre-test and post-test counselling and follow-up to women of reproductive age. Key preparation issues, including those of documentation, consent, confidentiality and risk assessment, are described. Counselling issues of particular significance for HIV-positive women, including reproduction, sexuality, care-giving, maintenance of health and long-term planning, are addressed. Planning and commitment are critical factors in the implementation of HIV counselling and testing in women's health-care delivery settings.