This book examines the complex factors affecting contraception use among adolescent girls living with HIV in Malawi, highlighting socio-cultural and structural issues that increase their vulnerability. It emphasizes the sensitivity and challenges of being HIV-positive, experiencing early pregnancy and motherhood, and navigating cultural norms and practices. Adolescent girls living with HIV face compounded health risks from both HIV and teenage pregnancy. Previous studies indicate barriers like family pressure and spousal violence, underscoring the need for protective policies. This book aims to inform decision-makers and policymakers about the SRHR realities of these girls, advocating for improved policies and programs to promote the use of contraception and enhance health outcomes. It serves as a guide for developing dedicated policies for AGLHIV, addressing existing policy gaps and implementation challenges.
Patience Bulage is a Public Health Specialist, with notable expertise in Sexual and Reproductive Health, and HIV. She holds a PhD in Health Promotion from the University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, Masters of Public Health from BRAC University James P. Grant School of Public Health, Bangladesh and a Bachelor's in Development Studies from Makerere University, Uganda. She is also experienced in providing technical and operational support to World Bank operations in fragile conflict affected and/or violent (FCV) settings in Africa. Specifically, she has advised Bank teams, clients and development partners on gender and other social development issues. She has previously served with other multinational agencies, spear-heading Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights and HIV/AIDS programs targeting adolescents, young women, and other key population groups and worked in close collaboration with other development partners and national level stakeholders, in Public Health and Social Development programming in Uganda since 2003. Additionally, she has strong expertise in policy analysis, migration health, and proven skills in scientific research. She is a committed advocate for the empowerment, inclusion, protection of women, adolescents, children and other vulnerable population groups, and working towards the improvement of health, livelihood and resilience.
