Ensuring equitable access to antiretroviral treatment for women
WHO/UNAIDS policy statement
OVERVIEW
This policy statement identifies actions needed to address the gender dimensions of equity in access to antiretrovial therapy (ART). Gender-based inequalities often affect women's ability to access ART services and put women and girls at increased risk of acquiring HIV. To adequately address gender issues in the scale up of ART, action is required in four areas: 1. development of a supportive policy environment; 2. strengthening health systems to make them more responsive to the specific needs of women and men; 3. promotion of programmes that overcome obstacles to equitable access; Development of benchmarks and indicators to measure progress.