SASOG's call to action on International AIDS Day: a commitment to women living with HIV

On International AIDS Day, the South African Society of Obstetrics and Gynaecology (SASOG) has issued a powerful call to action, reaffirming its unwavering commitment to women living with HIV and stressing the pivotal role obstetricians and gynaecologists play in the national response to the epidemic.

Despite facing significant historical challenges, South Africa has achieved truly remarkable progress in the fight against AIDS, particularly in preventing mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT). SASOG proudly highlighted that thousands of women living with HIV now give birth to HIV-negative babies every year. This success, largely driven by comprehensive antenatal care combined with effective Antiretroviral Therapy (ART), proves that with proper medical intervention, healthy pregnancies and healthy infants are the norm.

The Work Is Far From Over

While the PMTCT strides represent a massive public health victory, SASOG insists that complacency is not an option. The organisation stressed that equitable access to early antenatal care, routine HIV testing, and effective treatment options must remain the highest priority.

“No woman should face barriers to the care that can protect both her health and her baby’s future,” an official statement from SASOG stated. It urged healthcare systems to optimise services immediately for this vulnerable demographic.

Addressing the Disproportionate Burden

Acknowledging the disproportionate burden of HIV borne by women, especially young women and adolescent girls, SASOG demanded a shift toward comprehensive HIV care that addresses the full spectrum of reproductive health needs.

The organisation called for the seamless integration of services. “We must incorporate family planning, contraceptive access, cervical cancer screening, and holistic gynaecological care into our healthcare offerings.”

Key areas of focus include:

• Family Planning and Reproductive Choices: Ensuring women with HIV can safely plan pregnancies with expert medical guidance.

• Contraceptive Access: Providing a full range of contraceptive options, including long-acting reversible contraception.

• Cervical Cancer Screening: Making regular screenings essential, given these women face a significantly increased risk.

• Holistic Gynaecological Care: Offering accessible and non-judgmental care integrated with ongoing HIV treatment.

Dismantling the Stigma

A central theme of SASOG's message was the pressing need to dismantle the stigma surrounding HIV within healthcare settings.

The organisation passionately called on all healthcare providers to facilitate safe, stigma-free environments where women can discuss their status without fear of discrimination. “Every woman deserves compassionate, evidence-based care,” SASOG insisted, demanding that consulting rooms and public health facilities become welcoming sanctuaries for those seeking help.

A Heartfelt Call to Action

On this International AIDS Day, SASOG issued a final, heartfelt appeal:

• Healthcare Providers should offer routine HIV testing in all antenatal and gynaecological settings and fully integrate HIV care with reproductive health services.

• Women are urged to attend regular check-ups, get tested for HIV regularly, and proactively seek supportive care.

• Policymakers and Stakeholders must continue to support life-saving PMTCT programmes, ensure equitable access to services, and invest substantially in youth-friendly sexual health initiatives.

For further information, women are strongly encouraged to contact their local healthcare provider. SASOG also confirmed it continues to provide essential resources and continuing professional development programmes to its members to enhance HIV and women’s health outcomes across the nation.