As part of a regional initiative supported by UNAIDS, the International Community of Women Living with HIV and AIDS for Asia and the Pacific (ICW AP) has launched a survey to assess the impact of the coronavirus pandemic among women and girls living with HIV.
A quick and informal assessment conducted by ICW AP in several countries has already revealed that it has been extremely challenging for women and girls living with HIV to obtain clear and accurate information about how to protect themselves and their families from COVID-19 as well as the precautions they need to take for the longer term as the pandemic continues.
The informal assessment has also shown that many women living with HIV are working in informal settings and, due to lockdown and restrictions of movement, they are not able to earn money to support themselves and their families.
The regional survey that has been recently launched aims to assess the realities on the ground of women and girls living with HIV and to gather information around issues such as experiences of gender-based violence, livelihood, access to social protection schemes, HIV treatment, sexual and reproductive health services and other needs.
The findings of the survey will inform a regional position paper to advocate for the rights and needs of women and girls living with HIV during the COVID-19 pandemic in Asia and the Pacific.
