Zagreb, February 2012

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The aim of first meeting of JUSTRI Women was to bring together doctors, nurses and patient/patient representatives from countries in the South East Europe (SEE Region) with those involved in care of HIV positive women in the UK.

31 participants from Croatia, Serbia, Macedonia, Romania and the UK met in Zagreb (Croatia) and spent two fruitful days sharing knowledge and discussing opportunities for change.

Chaired by Josip Begovac (Croatia) and Thembi Moyo (UK) the meeting was opened by participants from SEE: Josip Begovac (Croatia) Mariana Mardarescu (Romania) Milena Stevanovic (Macedonia); Snezana Brkic (Serbia) giving 10 minute overviews of women and HIV in their respective countries. A composite slide presentation of these is available at www.hivtrislide.com/. This exposed a marked variation in the numbers of HIV positive women in care as well as the service structure available in each setting.

Helen Montgomery (UK) then gave a didactic presentation on ‘What is different for women with HIV infection? Specific needs and issues’ followed by a group session discussion around access to care issues. Alison Wright (UK) presented on ‘Antenatal care, birth and its consequences’ followed by Helen again speaking, for Jane Anderson (UK) who was unable to attend, about ‘Fertility, contraception & conception’.

The final session of day one was a further workshop, held in two groups, discussing’ Access to antenatal care, assisted fertility, contraception and termination services, immunisation and cancer care – where are we now and action planning to move forward’This was very productive.

The second day opened with Sapna Shah (UK) talking about ‘Viral illnesses, screening and treatment issues for women (HPV, HBV, HCV, and HIV )’ followed by a group discussion bring all the thoughts and ideas of the meeting together under the heading ‘HIV in women – how to make a difference – practical plans’ There was summing up of the meeting by Thembi Moyo and Josip Begovac and the participants then departed into a very snowy Zagreb.