Preventing HIV/AIDS through family planning

Family planning programs now reach millions of people in developing nations, though scores of millions still lack access to services. By definition, family planning programs serve those who are sexually active. A significant, though unknown, proportion of individuals seeking family planning services will be exposed to the risk for HIV infection or are already infected. While HIV/AIDS and family planning programs share the common goal of healthy sexuality, family planning services have been neglected, by and large, as a vehicle for preventing HIV infection or for identifying those who are infected. Redressing this lost opportunity would create an important new channel for expanding the battle against HIV/AIDS.