The most comprehensive compilation of information on the status of
women in the world.

Latest items for ISTD-PRACTICE-1

Nov. 12, 2024, 1:32 p.m.
Countries: Latvia
Variables: ISTD-PRACTICE-1

"The Committee welcomes the State party’s efforts to improve its institutional and policy framework aimed at accelerating the elimination of discrimination against women and promoting gender equality, such as the adoption of the following...[a]ction plan for the elimination of HIV infection, sexually transmitted infections and the hepatitis B and C viruses for the period 2018–2020, in 2017, and related programmes and guidelines" (2-3). "The Committee...welcomes the fact that the State party introduced, in 2019, additional support services for persons, including women, living with HIV to ensure early and effective access to treatment and that the services provided at HIV prevention points are free of charge and anonymous" (12).more
Nov. 1, 2024, 10:44 a.m.
Countries: Sierra Leone
Variables: ISTD-PRACTICE-1

"Health centers are beginning to take on cervical cancer, a hideous disease (sometimes diagnosed partly by the stench of rotting flesh) that kills more people worldwide than maternal mortality but gets much less attention. Some girls in Sierra Leone now get the HPV vaccination against it, and some clinics offer low-cost screenings that bathe the cervix in vinegar and look for lesions" (para 11).
Oct. 9, 2024, 7:59 p.m.
Countries: Belize
Variables: ISTD-PRACTICE-1

"A five-year Global Fund Project entitled 'Strengthening of Belize’s Multi-sectoral Response to HIV/AIDS' concluded in October 2009. The Women’s Department was one of seven sub-recipients of the project. The project focused on reducing the vulnerability to HIV/AIDS for Women and Youth. As part of the project, the Department developed knowledge products to empower women of reproductive age regarding the link between domestic violence/gender-based violence and HIV/AIDS. During the reporting period, partnerships between the Ministry of Health, National AIDS Commission, the National Committee for Families and Children (NCFC), governmental agencies and NGOs working on sexual and reproductive health and HIV/AIDS. As mentioned in various paragraphs above, collaborations led to policy development,...more
Oct. 9, 2024, 7:22 p.m.
Countries: Belize
Variables: ISTD-PRACTICE-1

"In 2007, the Ministry of Labour in collaboration with the Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry, National AIDS Commission (NAC) and National Trade Union Congress of Belize developed an HIV/AIDS Workplace Policy. This was done to signal Belize’s commitment to the UNGASS Declaration to control and reverse the HIV epidemic by 2015. This policy is still in place. Acknowledging the importance of addressing gender issues when tackling the HIV/AIDS epidemic, the Ministry of Health commissioned a Gender Analysis of the National HIV Strategic Plan (2006–2011). The analysis identified gaps in the plan. The report noted the need to incorporate the gender dimension as well as gendersensitive training in programming. Consequently,...more
Oct. 9, 2024, 7:21 p.m.
Countries: Belize
Variables: ISTD-PRACTICE-1

"During the reporting period, Belize improved its HIV/AIDS health management and information systems and M&E efforts through the Belize Health Information System. The Epidemiology Unit collects data as part of the National Program on the Prevention and Control of Tuberculosis, Human Immunodeficiency Virus, and other Sexually Transmitted Infections. This allows agencies to make better programmatic decisions. The M&E component was further supported through the Build Resilience Through Innovation and National Accountability for the HIV and TB Response in Belize program which commenced in 2019, with support from Global Fund to fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria. In 2021, the National AIDS Commission (NAC) hired an M&E Officer. The NAC responds directly...more
Oct. 9, 2024, 7:20 p.m.
Countries: Belize
Variables: ISTD-PRACTICE-1

"Between 2007–2012, the Women’s Department developed handbooks for training purposes and to inform women, men, and service providers about their rights and responsibilities. Handbooks included information on...HIV Peer Counselling for Women and Girls Manual [and] Training Guide on Facilitating Information Sessions on the link between HIV and Violence Against Women" (12). "Horizon2030 discusses financing civil society organizations providing critical health services to women, children, pregnant teens, young mothers and those vulnerable to HIV and violence" (18). "Since 2011, GoBelize, a local NGO, has been implementing programs and services as well as influencing policy on sexual and reproductive health. GoBelize uses a comprehensive sexuality education approach. Diverse educational methods and mediums...more
July 18, 2024, 6:38 p.m.
Countries: Guatemala
Variables: ISTD-PRACTICE-1

"The Ministry of Public Health and Social Welfare is in the process of updating the 2017–2021 National Strategic Plan for the Prevention, Management and Control of Sexually Transmitted Infections, HIV and AIDS. In 2021, the Ministry approved supplementary guidelines to the Guide for the Use of Antiretroviral Drugs in Persons with HIV and their Prophylactic Application and the 2021–2024 National Plan for the Elimination of Mother-to-Child Transmission of HIV, Syphilis and Hepatitis B. In 2021, efforts have been focused on vaccination against COVID-19. In 2021, a total of 7,153 women with HIV were taking antiretroviral treatment. There has been a downward trend in the number of new cases of women...more
April 19, 2024, 3:06 p.m.
Countries: Serbia
Variables: ISTD-PRACTICE-1

"[F]ree anti-retroviral treatment [is not easily accessible] for all women and girls, including Roma women and women with disabilities, including those in institutions... [A]wareness among women of the benefits of early preventive measures [is not being raised]" (14).
March 15, 2024, 2:30 p.m.
Countries: Gabon
Variables: ISTD-PRACTICE-1

"The promotion of family planning and use of modem contraception methods, in particular by adolescents, will contribute to reducing the number of early and undesired pregnancies, and also sexually transmitted infections and HIV/AIDS" (18). "The principle of free HIV screening and antiretroviral treatment [exists]" (19). "There are currently 23 health facilities providing care for people living with HIV. However, implementation is scheduled with gradual training of all medical practitioners at public and private entities, with support from the World Health Organization" (20).
March 15, 2024, 1:34 p.m.
Countries: Gabon
Variables: ISTD-PRACTICE-1

"[Government measures taken are:] A significant increase in the national medical solidarity fund to 2,500,000 for the purchase of anti-retroviral medication and preventive actions[,] Decentralization of comprehensive care for HIV throughout the country[,] Free anti-retroviral treatment for all persons living with HIV in Gabon[,] Free prenatal care and delivery care for pregnant women living with HIV[, and] In addition to free HIV screening, the National Health Insurance Fund provides laboratory tests and treatment of opportunistic infections" (20). "Prescription of antiretroviral treatment [are provided] by trained health providers" (20).
March 15, 2024, 1:33 p.m.
Countries: Gabon
Variables: ISTD-PRACTICE-1

"[C]are for persons living with HIV/ AIDS [are integrated] in the health system's health-care facilities… Free treatment for pregnant women, especially for those who are HIV-positive, [are] provided by the National Health Insurance and Social Protection Fund… [U]niversal health coverage (by the national health insurance fund) [was established] to reduce the cost of medical care for persons living with HIV" (19).
Feb. 20, 2024, 6:27 p.m.
Countries: D R Congo
Variables: ISTD-PRACTICE-1

"[The] National strategic plan against HIV/AIDS for the period 2018–2021, [was adopted] in 2018" (2, 12). "New cases of HIV/AIDS infections mainly affect women and girls, who continue to face stigmatization and social exclusion due to their HIV/AIDS status, the antiretroviral treatments are insufficient and must be paid for [. T]he national strategic plan on HIV/AIDS for the period 2018–2021 lacks funding" (12). "[W]omen and men [are not guaranteed equal access] to adequate treatment for, and means of prevention of, HIV/AIDS, as well as free access to antiretroviral medicine... [W]omen and girls living with HIV/AIDS [are stigmatized and socially excluded]" (13).
Jan. 29, 2024, 5:50 p.m.
Countries: Bosnia-Herzegovina
Variables: ISTD-PRACTICE-1

"[W]omen living with HIV/AIDS [were discriminated against] by health-care professionals" (12). "[A]ll health service staff [are not trained] on the sexual and reproductive health and rights of women, in particular pregnant women and women and girls living with HIV/AIDS" (13).
Jan. 19, 2024, 12:06 p.m.
Countries: Central African Rep
Variables: ISTD-PRACTICE-1

"[The] national health development plan (2006–2015) and the health sector transition plan (2015–2017) [have] several actions to support women... [This includes p]roviding free care to women living with HIV/AIDS[, and] Providing free prenatal exams and HIV/AIDS testing for pregnant women" (37).
Jan. 16, 2024, 6:33 p.m.
Countries: Botswana
Variables: ISTD-PRACTICE-1

"HIV prevalence is still high among females than males and therefore more effort is still required to ensure that the gender specific vulnerabilities are taken into cognizance in the national response to HIV and AIDS" (7). "The Revised National Population Policy (2010) makes provisions for Adolescent Friendly Health Services to ensure access to Reproductive Health Services that can in turn promote the retention of girl children in education. Information, education and communication initiatives have focused on holistic youth empowerment. HIV and AIDS prevention programmes continue to emphasise a broad range of choices available to young people. These include Adolescent and Young People Multi-media Campaign for HIV Prevention (Wise Up) and...more
Dec. 5, 2023, 11:18 a.m.
Countries: China
Variables: ISTD-PRACTICE-1

"Fong noted the one-child policy also exacerbated a traditional preference for male children, leading to a huge gender gap" (pp 16).
Nov. 6, 2023, 11:49 p.m.
Countries: China
Variables: ISTD-PRACTICE-1

"Since 2015, the Central Government has invested 1.4 billion yuan annually to scale up the prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV, syphilis and hepatitis B across the country" (23).
Oct. 10, 2023, 12:34 p.m.
Countries: Honduras
Variables: ISTD-PRACTICE-1, ISTD-DATA-1

"Staff at CEPROSAF approximates that last year there were more than 40,000 cases of HIV reported in Honduras, but that the actual number could be higher since so many people with the disease do not seek treatment" (para 6).
Oct. 4, 2023, 6:58 a.m.
Countries: Angola
Variables: ISTD-PRACTICE-1, IRP-PRACTICE-1

"Rural women and girls and women and girls with disabilities, with albinism, living with HIV/AIDS and in prostitution, lesbian, bisexual and transgender women and intersex persons face multiple and intersecting forms of discrimination, restricting in particular their access to health services, employment, education, housing and justice and their participation in public and political life" (14).
Sept. 30, 2023, 4 p.m.
Countries: Kazakhstan
Variables: ISTD-PRACTICE-1

"The Committee notes the 2014 amendments to the law on domestic violence of 2009 that provide for restraining and protection orders and social assistance to victims of domestic violence. It also takes note of the State party’s intention to adopt the bill on countering domestic violence and to ratify the Council of Europe Convention on Preventing and Combating Violence against Women and Domestic Violence. However, the Committee notes with concern the following:(f) The lack of shelters for women and girls who are victims of gender-based violence and the denial of access to such shelters to women living with HIV/AIDS" (p.7-8). "The Committee commends the State party for enacting a strong...more
Sept. 25, 2023, 8:02 a.m.
Countries: Guyana
Variables: ISTD-PRACTICE-1

"[P]regnant women in indigenous communities were not receiving mandatory HIV tests" (11). "[O]nly 23 percent of persons ages 15 to 49 expressed accepting attitudes towards individuals with HIV" (12).
Sept. 22, 2023, 8:51 a.m.
Countries: Angola
Variables: ISTD-PRACTICE-1

"Discrimination against those with HIV/AIDS is illegal, but lack of enforcement allowed employers to discriminate against persons with the condition or disease. There were no news reports of violence against persons with HIV/AIDS. Reports from local and international health NGOs suggested discrimination against individuals with HIV/AIDS was common" (23).
Sept. 18, 2023, 12:32 a.m.
Countries: Kenya
Variables: ISTD-PRACTICE-1

"Sexual assaults on older women are partly a result of myths about their powers. Some young men believe sex with an elderly woman can cure HIV and Aids, while others believe it can cleanse their sins after committing crimes. Fred Ogolla, team leader at Restoring Dignity, a community organisation that supports elderly people in Korogocho, says raising awareness in the community has helped to debunk the myths, and today the community is safer. " (para.15).
Aug. 24, 2023, 1:08 a.m.
Countries: Cape Verde
Variables: ISTD-PRACTICE-1

"[A]dolescent girls [do not] have access to accurate information about their sexual and reproductive health and rights, including on responsible sexual behaviour and the prevention of early pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases" (11).
Aug. 15, 2023, 5:22 p.m.
Countries: Bahamas
Variables: ISTD-PRACTICE-1

"Children with HIV/AIDS also faced discrimination, and authorities often did not tell teachers a child was HIV-positive due to fear of verbal abuse from both educators and peers" (15). Girls are more likely to be discriminated (MV-coder comment).
Aug. 8, 2023, 12:20 p.m.
Countries: Senegal
Variables: ISTD-PRACTICE-1, IRP-LAW-3

"To address this, the following steps have been taken: A catch-up plan for the elimination of mother-to-child transmission of HIV; testing of all women seen in prenatal consultations and couples testing; Development of a guide for care and follow-up among sex workers; Training of health-care providers in syndromic management and follow-up among sex workers; Establishment of official centres for follow-up among sex workers at the central, intermediate and operational levels; Awareness-raising sessions for occasional sex workers; Distribution of male and female condoms at all centres for the treatment of sexually transmitted infections; Distribution of HIV self-tests to sex workers for screening and treatment; Decentralization of care at 118 health centres,...more
July 21, 2023, 11:58 a.m.
Countries: Azerbaijan
Variables: ISTD-PRACTICE-1

"[P]regnant women put under observation by medical services during birth are invited to pass HIV check-up and in case positive, they are provided with anti-retrovirus therapy. Likewise, HIV infected women of reproductive age are monitored by the Ministry of Health for a pregnancy once they pass a general medical examination. They are given relevant recommendations and seconded to benefit from childbirth services. Pregnant women pass a compulsory HIV express test when they apply for a child delivery. In case positive, they start to administer pre-delivery anti-retrovirus medicine. For this purpose, the stocks of antiretroviral drugs are created at the Perinatal Center and the National Perinatal Center. In case of urgent...more
June 20, 2023, 9:30 p.m.
Countries: Nicaragua
Variables: ISTD-PRACTICE-1

"In 2012, a law on the promotion, protection and defence of human rights in relation to, and the prevention and treatment of, HIV and AIDS was passed (Act No. 820), which also provides for awareness-raising and non-discrimination regarding their rights. The law is regulated by Decree No. 13-2015, which protects the human rights of persons living with HIV and AIDS." (6-7). "The course 'Growing up with values' was also rolled out in preschool, primary and secondary education, and was completed by 1,279,647 students. Sex education and the prevention of HIV/AIDS and sexually transmitted infections have also been incorporated. A total of 44,304 teachers have received further training in comprehensive sexuality...more
April 1, 2023, 9:26 p.m.
Countries: Uzbekistan
Variables: ISTD-PRACTICE-1

"Considerable attention has been paid in Uzbekistan to improving public administration of the health-care system, fundamentally changing the attitude of medical institutions to patients and creating a modern innovative model for providing medical services to the population. Measures have been taken to improve the activities of the Ministry of Health and develop the private sector and traditional medicine. Presidential decisions were adopted, including on combating the spread of HIV infection (25 January 2018)...and on emergency medical services (16 October 2018)..." (27). "The National Centre for the Reproductive Health of the Public works with adolescents for the introduction of youth-friendly health services, the prevention of marriage and childbirth at a young...more
March 18, 2023, 10:20 p.m.
Countries: Ethiopia
Variables: ISTD-PRACTICE-1

"[H]ealth facilities providing mother to child transmission prevention and ARV services have increased to 2,495 and 1,047 from 1,352 and 550 respectively. Provision of ARV service coverage has reached 64.7 per cent" (18). "[T]he number of health facilities that provide reproductive health services is increased; provision of free anti-retroviral has continued at a larger scale reaching 87 per cent of the population that require the service and services for prevention of mother to child transmission is being provided" (30).