SASOG marks World AIDS Day with call to strengthen women’s health

The South African Society of Obstetrics and Gynaecology (SASOG) has marked World AIDS Day by reaffirming its commitment to improving healthcare for women living with HIV and emphasising the vital role played by obstetricians and gynaecologists in South Africa’s HIV response.

In a statement issued on Monday, SASOG said the country’s progress in preventing mother to child transmission (PMTCT) of HIV remained one of its most significant public health achievements. Through expanded access to antenatal care and antiretroviral therapy, thousands of women living with HIV now deliver HIV negative babies each year.

According to SASOG, this progress demonstrates that with early antenatal visits, routine HIV testing, and proper treatment, pregnant women living with HIV can have safe pregnancies and healthy infants. The organisation said continued efforts were needed to ensure that no woman faces barriers to healthcare services that can protect her wellbeing and that of her child.

SASOG noted that women and adolescent girls continue to carry a disproportionate burden of HIV infection in South Africa. It emphasised that HIV care must be integrated with broader reproductive health services to meet women’s specific needs. These include family planning support, a full range of contraceptive options, regular cervical cancer screening, and access to comprehensive gynaecological care.

The organisation called on healthcare providers to maintain stigma free clinical environments where women feel safe to disclose their HIV status and seek care. SASOG said compassionate, evidence based care was essential to supporting women’s reproductive choices and protecting their health.

As part of its World AIDS Day message, SASOG urged healthcare providers to offer routine HIV testing during antenatal and gynaecological consultations, keep up to date with current treatment guidelines, integrate HIV care with reproductive health services, and support preventive HIV medication where appropriate.

Women were encouraged to attend regular antenatal and gynaecological check-ups, undergo frequent HIV testing especially when pregnant or planning pregnancy, and seek care from providers who offer respectful and supportive services. SASOG stressed that living with HIV is compatible with healthy pregnancies and full reproductive lives when women have access to proper medical support.

The organisation also appealed to policymakers to continue backing PMTCT programmes, expand equitable access to HIV prevention and treatment services, and invest in youth friendly sexual and reproductive health initiatives. It said social and structural factors that increase women’s vulnerability to HIV must remain a priority for government and stakeholders.

SASOG added that women who need information on HIV and reproductive health are encouraged to consult their healthcare providers. The organisation offers professional development programmes to its members to ensure up to date knowledge in HIV care and women’s health.