In this Fall 2011 edition of Reaching Out, you will learn about a new model for HIV testing and treatment and SRH services being pioneered by our Member Association working in the Dominican Republic. You'll hear from one of our supporters who is preparing to run the New York Marathon to raise money for the IPPF appeal for Haiti. Also, Alex Sanger marks the 30th anniversary of the discovery of AIDS with a brief review of the struggle to fight against this disease and a cautiously hopeful outlook for future success.

In 2008, our 41 Member Associations in Latin America and the Caribbean provided 29, 819,125 services. We helped improve individual lives, change attitudes and reduce poverty’s grip throughout the region. We drove on rugged mountain roads to serve women living in remote villages, miles from the nearest clinic. We were in the forefront of opposition to restrictive laws repressive policies and that deprive women of their dignity and the right to determine their own reproductive destinies.  We also empowered young people through peer education programs and increased their access to appropriate sexual and reproductive health education, information and services.

“How can we expect that adolescents go with their parents to SRH services if they don´t even talk with them about sexual relationships?” (Interview with APROPO)

“One governor said, giving condoms to young people is like providing them with a six-pack of beer and a free night at the motel.”

“Younger women are turning to (unprotected) anal intercourse as a prevention from pregnancy and to protect their virginity.”

“I feel that there is a weakness in the [National AIDS] response, a response that was once very participatory. The fact that there are no groups of children or youth, but instead these are represented by adults.” (Interview with Director of HIV/AIDS NGO)

Who is this guide for?

It is for anyone who wants to know more about the criminalization of HIV transmission or exposure and the related health, human rights and legal implications. This guide can help you to become more familiar with the latest laws, legal support and other services relating to HIV in your country or region.

The ten key questions

in this guide provide a snapshot of case studies and opinions from around the world. They ask and answer the key questions about the criminalization of HIV transmission and exposure – what it is and why it is an increasingly important issue now; and what are the human dimensions in terms of:

• health
• stigma
• human rights
• the law
• the experiences of people living with HIV

The publication "Youth Sexuality: Confronting HIV/AIDS" centers around IPPF/WHR's strategies for engaging and working with youth and HIV.