When the Evidence Is Not Enough: Hormonal Contraception and HIV Webinar

Uncertainty remains around hormonal contraception and its link to HIV acquisition. Given WHO’s recommendation that women should receive correct and full information to enable an informed choice regarding their method of contraception, the Health Communication Capacity Collaborative (HC3) developed the Strategic Communication Framework for Hormonal Contraceptive Methods and Potential HIV-Related Risks. This strategic framework was designed to assist governments in developing a communication strategy and to guide the development of social and behavior change communication (SBCC) materials and activities focused on hormonal contraception and HIV. To date, Malawi’s and Swaziland’s Ministries of Health have adapted the framework to their country contexts and have subsequently developed SBCC materials on this topic.

This May 17, 2016 webinar, moderated by Nithya Mani, Division Chief, Implementation Support, Office of HIV/AIDS, USAID, introduced the framework, provided discussion around the adaptation process in Malawi and Swaziland, and included the perspective of women living with HIV related to this issue.

Presentations included:

• James Kiarie, Coordinator, Human Reproduction, Department of Reproductive Health and Research, WHO [Presentation: Hormonal Contraception and HIV: Communicating Current WHO Guidance]
• Beth Mallalieu, HIV Program Officer, HC3 [Presentation: Strategic Communication Framework for Hormonal Contraceptive Methods and Potential HIV-Related Risks]
• Triza Hara, Deputy Chief of Party, SSDI Malawi [Presentation: Adaptation of Hormonal Contraceptive and HIV Communication Strategy in Malawi]
• Lindiwe Malaza, Family Planning Officer, Sexual and Reproductive Health Programme, Ministry of Health, Swaziland [Presentation: Adapting the Framework: Swaziland’s Experience]
• Margaret Happy, Advocacy and Communications Officer, International Community of Women Living with HIV [Presentation: Advocates’ Perspective of the Possible Relationship Between HC and HIV]

Watch the webinar recording.