Women Who Have Sex With Women (WSW)
1. HIV prevention programs are needed for WSW. Studies found that no training programs addressed the HIV-related needs of WSW, health providers discriminated against WSW and were refused treatment. WSW did not tell providers their sexual orientation and/or their relationships with men due to a need for non-judgmental services.
Gap noted, for example, in Chile, Mexico, Argentina and Peru (Guerrero- Lilo et al., 2008) and South Africa (Van Dyk et al., 2008).
Guerrero-Lilo, L., J. Medrano-Diaz, F. Perez, C. Perez, A. Bizjak-Gomez, G. Provenza, P. Vivas, M. Arria, P. Pifakis, J. Silva-Urra and A. Rodriguez-Morales. 2008. “Use of Window Live Messanger for Assessing the KAP about HIV/AIDS and STI among Lesbian Young Women from Latin America.” Abstact WEPE0881. XVII International AIDS Conference. Mexico City, Mexico. August 3-8.
2. Health care settings need to offer appropriate, non-discriminatory services—and be attentive to HIV risk behaviors—to meet the sexual and reproductive health needs of WSW. Studies found that a number of WSW also have sexual relationships with men yet did not get tested for HIV.
Gap noted, for example, in Chile (Vidal et al., 2008); South Africa (Wells et al., N.D.); South Africa and Botswana (IGLHRC, 2007); and Brazil (Pinto et al., 2005).
Vidal, F., R. Concha, I. Palma, J. Barrientos, P. Santana, M. Carrasco, A. Gonzalez and V. Luisi. 2008. “Opinions, Attitudes and Knowledge about HIV/AIDS, Gender, Sexuality and Sexual Orientation in Pedagogical Students and Professors.” Abstract WEPE1035. XVII International AIDS Conference. Mexico City, Mexico.August 3-8.