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Health Policy Initiative Launches New e-Learning Courses

In partnership with the Global Health e-Learning Center, the Health Policy Initiative, Task Order 1, is pleased to offer two e-learning courses. Topics covered are "HIV Stigma and Discrimination" and "Gender and Sexual and Reproductive Health 101."

The fear of stigma and discrimination negatively affects the way in which individuals and families protect themselves and provide care for those affected. It can make individuals reluctant to disclose their status or access HIV testing, treatment, and care. HIV-related stigma can impede governments from effectively addressing the epidemic, especially because the most-at-risk populations are often the most marginalized groups in society. These factors increasingly challenge efforts to stem the epidemic. The “HIV Stigma and Discrimination” course introduces key concepts, explores the impact of stigma and discrimination on behavior and HIV responses, and shares promising practices for addressing them.

Similarly, gender inequality hinders the achievement of family planning (FP) and reproductive health (RH) goals. Inequities among women and men increase vulnerabilities to ill-health by promoting high-risk behaviors, limiting open communication between partners, and decreasing access to health services and information. In response, the “Gender and Sexual and Reproductive Health 101” course is designed to introduce health policymakers, advocates, and program managers to gender issues and approaches for gender integration. The course explores gender issues as they affect individuals, families, and communities and introduces students to gender analysis. The course also describes the various steps for integrating gender throughout the program cycle.

Both courses can be accessed through the Global Health e-Learning Center at www.globalhealthlearning.org. These courses are free and self-paced, but you will need to set up a username and password to access the content.

Gender and Sexual and Reproductive Health 101 Course Handout