Source · Select Committees · International Development Committee
Recommendation 17
17
Accepted
Paragraph: 66
Encourage effective integration of HIV into SRHR services, partnering with community-led organisations.
Recommendation
The FCDO should also actively encourage the effective integration of HIV into sexual and reproductive health services, by explicitly including HIV in SRHR policy documents and funding calls and requiring the inclusion of organisations with HIV expertise in the SRHR programmes that it funds. These services should also be designed, implemented, monitored and evaluated in close partnership with community-led and civil society organisations, recognising the vital role that they play in ensuring that services are responsive to local needs and are able to reach those most left behind.
Government Response Summary
The government agrees with the recommendation, stating its HIV support is part of comprehensive SRHR and it expects all health programming to become integrated. It highlights that bilateral programmes are designed with community engagement and that existing funding supports civil society in improving HIV access and challenging discrimination.
Paragraph Reference:
66
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
Agree 63. The FCDO’s support to HIV services forms a part of our comprehensive SRHR support. As the FCDO implements the ending preventable deaths and health systems strengthening approach, it expects all health programming to become increasingly complimentary and integrated. 64. The FCDO agrees with the importance of investing in services and programmes with community leadership in all stages from design to closure. The FCDO’s bilateral programmes in country are designed with the engagement of implementing partners including community-led and civil society organisations. 65. The FCDO’s funding to the Robert Carr Fund and to UNAIDS helps to support legal and policy reform to combat stigma and discrimination and to improve access to HIV services for those most at risk, as well as supporting civil society and grassroots organisations to challenge harmful policies and attitudes that exclude minorities and put them at greater risk of HIV infection and increase access to services for these groups, including LGBT+ people.