Introduction: The HIV/AIDS epidemic is continuing to expand, touching al corners of the world and impacting on the lives of countless individuals and communities. At the same time, demand for family planning (FP) is expanding, and unmet need continues to increase in Uganda. At this point in time, it is imperative to uphold the added benefits of integrated FP/HIV programming since this approach brings about increase in uptake of both services. We implemented an integrated HIV/FP intervention in Amuria district, one of URCS­ supported districts.

Objective: The main objective of this intervention was to integrate Family planning with HIV services for improved uptake of both services among PLHIV in Kapelebyong County, Amuria district. Methods: An integrated model was adopted. Consultative meetings with stakeholders were conducted to get an insight on how best the integration process could be conducted and also to introduce the idea to them. Community leaders were trained and introduced to basics of family planning so that they were able to integrate them into the ongoing HIV service delivery; health personnel were also given refresher training on FP to enhance their knowledge and skils and for them to appreciate integrated services delivery and to implement it. Counseling for family planning, condom education and distribution, provision of injector­plan and Depo­Provera services were integrated into the existing HIV services which were being provided to the people living with HIV in Kapelebyong­Amuria. Clients were mobilized by the community leaders for FP services, they were counseled and given FP information by the health personnel during clinic days, the community also continued providing information during the waiting time at the clinics and when they got back to the communities, so, information dissemination was continuous. Clients had chance to ask questions. The Health facilities handled referrals; the district offered overal coordination of services while communities created awareness and provided the services. The community, the health facilities and the district got together and improved access of HIV and FP services for the PLHIV in the project area.

Outcome: Uptake of services increased in the short run. Condom uptake increased as clients who sought them only for preventing re­infection also sought them to prevent unwantedix pregnancies as thence increased from 36.6% to 48.2% from Nov 2011 to March 2012. There was an increase in knowledge on condoms, injectables and the pil from 36%, 40% and 22% respectively to 40%, 46% and 30% respectively. Use of Injectables increased from 41% to 45%. Number of clients who received referral for FP increased from 55.43% to 63.2% and some clients who had defected from the use of FP services were re­enrol ed for the services. Lessons learned: Integrating FP with other services improves uptake for both services and creates a wider reach compared to the segmented delivery of the said services. Community leaders are well positioned to offer services to communities especialy when their capacities are strengthened and when they are supported to do so but also, when their efforts are complementary to the efforts of the other stakeholders.

Recommendations: There is need to strengthen integrated approaches of service delivery at al levels. Need to strengthen community mobilization activities as they increase uptake for health services. Need to build capacities of service providers of FP and HIV services by offering refresher courses and other skils enhancement services to facilitate them to offer improved FP and HIV services in the light of increasing service uptake.