Improving The Quality of Reproductive Health Service Provision in Line with Emerging Hormonal Contraception and HIV/AIDS Related Cervical Neoplasms: Challenges for Zimbabwe’s Reproductive Health Service Providers

Abstract

AIDS associated cancers are an emerging challenge in cancer epidemiology. Immune compromised people with AIDS have higher risks of developing cancer. Studies in Africa have demonstrated that following HIV+ diagnosis, the majority of hormonal contraceptive (HC) users continued on them while a quarter of nonusers began using HCs. There are contradicting findings on the role of HCs on cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) development. A number of studies have however positively correlated HC use to CIN development. This paper seeks to discuss the need for an integrative approach in reproductive health delivery system in line with HC provision concurrently with HIV/AIDS screening. We envisage a plausible approach that would support clients to make informed decisions on contraceptive use against the risks of HIV infection and development of CIN. This paper will critically appraise reproductive health provision in Zimbabwe in line with current global trends on HIV and oral contraceptive related neoplasm. The implications of the observed trends will be discussed in line with professionalisation of service delivery for the Zimbabwe National Family Planning Council (ZNFPC) and partner organisations.

Keywords: integrated, reproductive, HIV/AIDS, neoplasia, Zimbabwe