Paul Perchal is the Director of EngenderHealth’s HIV/STI Program.

What first drew you to work on HIV/AIDS and reproductive health in general?

In the mid 1990s, I cared for two close friends who later died of AIDS-related complications. It was one of the most meaningful and fulfilling experiences of my life. It allowed me the opportunity to reflect on my own values and beliefs and what I was doing with my life.

Is there an experience at EngenderHealth that stands out for you?

One of my most memorable experiences was working on a research study examining the sexual and reproductive health rights and needs of HIV-positive women and adolescent girls in Brazil, Ethiopia, and Ukraine. It was an incredible opportunity to learn firsthand about the issues and concerns of HIV-positive people by involving them directly in a research study. In particular, I was saddened to learn that HIV-positive women and girls believe that they have fewer rights because of their HIV status, and that they often do not seek sexual and reproductive health services because of HIV stigma and discrimination.
 

What do you see as the greatest challenges today in the field of international HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment, and care?

We are facing so many challenges. One is to reduce stigma and discrimination against people living with HIV and determine how communities can be mobilized for HIV prevention, treatment, care, and support. Another is a lack of political will: Some government policies ignore available evidence about effective HIV/AIDS programs, and in so doing, may actually contribute to the spread of HIV. There is also the need for further research into new technologies to prevent HIV, such as microbicides, male circumcision, and vaccines. This is especially important given the high cost of antiretroviral drug therapies in many countries, as well as the virus’s constant mutability.
 

What unique strengths does EngenderHealth bring to the field of HIV/AIDS? 

Our decades of experience in the global sexual and reproductive health field put us in a unique position to develop an effective response to the HIV/AIDS pandemic. We have adapted our expertise in sexual and reproductive health to improve HIV/AIDS services with great success.

I am proud that we are supporting practical and sustainable approaches to help health care workers and program managers overcome biases, address stigma and discrimination, and reach vulnerable populations with crucial HIV/AIDS information and services. We have also pioneered strategies for empowering women to exercise their rights, and through our Men As Partners® Program, we have promoted male involvement in sexual and reproductive health. Enormous challenges lie ahead of us, but EngenderHealth has the expertise, energy, and creativity to overcome them.