Linking HIV and SRHR is highly promising, yet it remains incomplete and limited. Here are some reasons why:
- National HIV policies do not often link to SRHR and vice versa. This results in parallel programs and service delivery.
- Integration of services requires a well functioning health system. Many SRH programs are already functioning poorly due to inadequately trained and underpaid and overworked staff, lack of equipment and supplies, poor management, and weak monitoring and evaluation.
- Male involvement in SRH programs and services remains weak.
- Integrated services in countries with concentrated epidemics may not be reaching vulnerable populations.
- SRH settings do not tend to be “youth friendly”.
- Neither the SRH and the HIV contexts are necessarily well prepared for addressing gender based issues, including gender based violence.
- Linking is often not interpreted broadly enough. Supporting HIV positive persons, for example, requires a comprehensive package of assistance.
- There are no blueprints for integration of services.
