Abstract

PIP: International and South African data indicate that increasing numbers of women are becoming infected with the HIV and developing AIDS worldwide. It is estimated that over 4 million women are currently infected with the HIV virus. HIV/AIDS is known to affect women in several ways: 1) women of reproductive age are the fastest growing segment of the population to be infected; 2) both estrogen and progesterone affect the immune system and therefore may influence the natural history of HIV infection; 3) the rate of CD4 cell loss is faster in HIV-positive than in HIV-negative pregnant women and infected homosexual men. HIV appears to affect profoundly the frequency of development, the degree of severity, and the rate of progression of cervical neoplastic lesions. Candidiasis, pelvic inflammatory diseases, and cervical neoplastic lesions and their possible effects on HIV/AIDS in women require further attention. In order to enable women worldwide to successfully cope with the HIV/AIDS epidemic, the author recommends: 1) universal human rights for all women must be accepted and reinforced; 2) female-controlled methods to protect against HIV transmission to women should be developed; 3) community empowerment of women to deal with the HIV/AIDS problem must be implemented; and 4) long-term studies in women must be implemented to determine the natural history and course of HIV infection and the efficacy of drugs. Because of the possibility of termination of pregnancy and early recognition of pediatric HIV infection, antenatal HIV testing of all women, with consent, should be seriously considered. South African women must mobilize themselves, their resources and talents, and rise in solidarity and declare war against AIDS.