Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights: Integration as a Holistic and Rights-Based Response to HIV/AIDS

Abstract

For decades, donors, governments, and civil society have recognized the importance of sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) in efforts to alleviate poverty and advance gender equality and women’s rights. More recently, in the battle against HIV/AIDS—and given the unique challenges the pandemic presents for health and development—the global community has acknowledged the benefits of synergizing sexual and reproductive health and HIV/AIDS interventions. However, the United States has been slow to incorporate lessons learned from the international experience when it comes to integrating HIV/AIDS, SRHR, and gender equality in the fight against HIV/AIDS. This article highlights the importance of SRHR and lessons learned from SRHR–HIV integration to inform U.S. domestic and global AIDS strategies and interventions.