HIV-infected women and their families: psychosocial support and related issues
A literature review
WHO Department of Reproductive Health and Research
Reference Number: WHO/HIV/2003.03
In April 2000, the Department of Reproductive Health and Research of the World Health Organization (WHO) commissioned a global review of the literature (emanating from academic institutions and United Nations agencies) on psychosocial support and counselling to HIV-infected pregnant women and their families. This review also collected information about practices and projects that care for HIV-infected women and their families throughout the world. The purpose of this review was: (i) to fi nd out what literature was available on psychosocial support and counselling to HIVinfected women and their families (from preconception until the child is two years old); and (ii) to learn what methods were being employed in existing projects to support and care for HIV-infected women and their families in relation to mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of HIV during the perinatal period.