The Web site – www.womens-healthcare.org – provides the latest information on the project’s activities, background information on the four countries involved – Botswana, Kenya, Namibia and Tanzania; and shared stories of women and communities affected by HIV and AIDS who are involved in the project.

“Improving women’s access to health services is crucial to efforts to reduce poverty and improve overall well-being in these African countries,” says Project Director Patricia Caffrey of the International Center for Research on Women (ICRW). “And key to improving women’s health care is ensuring that both leaders and community members are prepared to address the specific needs and obstacles of their countries – which is what Parliamentarians for Women’s Health is all about.”

The project’s premise is that country leaders will be better poised to take action and make decisions that improve women’s access to health services if they have access to information related to women’s health – specifically HIV and AIDS – and are connected with HIV/AIDS community networks.

The three-year project is led by the work of several international partners: ICRW; European Parliamentarians for Africa (AWEPA); Center for the Study of AIDS at the University of Pretoria (CSA); International Community of Women Living with HIV/AIDS (ICW); and Realizing Rights: The Ethical Globalization Initiative (EGI).

Contact: Sandra Bunch (202) 797-0007; sbunch@icrw.org

The International Center for Research on Women is a leading international research organization based in Washington, D.C.

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