Addressing the sexual and reproductive health needs of young adolescents living with HIV in South Africa

Our study examines programmatic approaches to the sexual and reproductive health of very young adolescents (VYAs). It engages VYAs themselves as an important source of information. Further, it seeks the views of service providers concerning the sexual and reproductive health issues of VYAs. Findings from the study suggest that HIV positive children in early adolescence are poorly informed about sexual and reproductive health matters. There is a strong need for programmes that can address a range of concerns specifically related to their illness as well as to broader issues that arise in the context of this developmental stage. However service providers do not feel confident to inform and educate young adolescents and lack the resources to guide and assist them. To address this gap study findings informed development of a resource for healthcare providers working with HIV positive VYAs in clinic and community settings.