Sexually transmitted infections: progress and challenges since the 1994 International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD).

Background: Despite being recognized as an important challenge at the 1994 International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD), sexually transmitted ınfections (STIs) other than HIV are one of the most neglected dimensions of sexual and reproductive health. STIs, often undiagnosed and untreated, have especially harmful consequences for women and their neonates.

Progress Since Icpd: During the last two decades, substantial knowledge and experience have accumulated in behavior change programming during the global response to the HIV epidemic which can also be used for prevention of STIs.

Perceptions of HIV/AIDS leaders about faith-based organisations' influence on HIV/AIDS stigma in South Africa.

The extent of the HIV pandemic-particularly in the hardest-hit countries, including South Africa-has prompted a call for greater engagement of all groups, including faith-based organisations (FBOs). Although FBOs are known to play a substantial role in providing care and support to those affected by HIV and AIDS, empirical evidence in regard to their actions in the broader context of stigma is limited. A qualitative, key-informant survey was conducted in South Africa as part of a six-country international study to examine perceptions of how FBOs have contributed to reduction in HIV risk, vulnerability and related impacts.

Ethical and human rights perspectives on providers' obligation to ensure adolescents' rights to privacy.

The rights of adolescents to privacy and confidentiality as stipulated in international human rights conventions are poorly protected in reproductive health-care settings. Fear that their private information will become known, particularly to a parent, has been shown to be a major factor in adolescents' failure to seek the services they need. The tension between parental interests in guiding the development of children and public interest in maintaining a healthy population is considered in light of the ethical principles that bear upon these decisions.

Examining the actions of faith-based organizations and their influence on HIV/AIDS-related stigma: a case study of Uganda.

Background: Stigma and discrimination are widely recognized as factors that fuel the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Uganda's success in combating HIV/AIDS has been attributed to a number of factors, including political, religious and societal engagement and openness - actors that combat stigma and assist prevention efforts.

Objectives: Our study aimed to explore perceptions of Uganda-based key decision-makers about the past, present and optimal future roles of FBOs in HIV/AIDS work, including actions to promote or dissuade stigma and discrimination.

Hormonal contraception and physiology: a research-based theory of discontinuation due to side effects.

Side effects influence the acceptability and continuation of hormonal contraceptives. Counseling the client about the management of side effects is a principal approach advocated for increasing continuation. Evidence of a biological basis for variation in women's tolerance of hormonal contraceptives argues, however, that greater attention should be given to altering the product rather than principally attempting to alter a woman's ability to deal with the product.