Organization:
Contact: David Harwood
Abstract: Unhappily, just as there no cure for HIV/AIDS, there is also no one-size-fits-all formula for prevention efforts.
At present, the only protection against HIV/AIDS is prevention against infection. Prevention efforts represent the cornerstone of the international response to the pandemic. Unhappily, just as there no cure for HIV/AIDS, there is also no one-size-fits-all formula for prevention efforts. During the course of the of the first two decades of the crisis, international public health experts have identified some of the key ingredients for successful prevention efforts. First and foremost is the need for resolute political leadership. Effective national prevention strategies are built on the foundation of strong, forthright leadership. Closely related to leadership is the need for an integrated, cross-sectoral response. Building off of high-level leadership, broad community engagement is also essential for effective prevention efforts. Community involvement encompasses active participation from key groups, such as non-governmental organizations, the business community and people living with HIV/AIDS. It also includes the idea of targeted attention to vulnerable segments of the population, including youth, intravenous drug users, sex workers, women and the gay community. Creative information, education and communications efforts are also key components of effective prevention efforts. Also known as social marketing campaigns, educational efforts help to identify for the public key risk factors as well as steps that individuals can take to protect themselves from infection. In order to be effective, informational and educational programs must be relevant to the culture in which they occur – what works in one country may not work in others. In certain locations, educational themes in soap operas have been successful; in others identification with national sports has been helpful. Provision of essential health services is also key – from commodities to counseling. In countries with successful HIV/AIDS prevention programs like Senegal and Thailand, increased use of condoms has been critical. In Uganda, male condom use increased to 55% in 1995, from 15% in 1989; similarly, Uganda’s outstanding prevention efforts have significantly reduced early sexual activities by adolescents. Intravenous drug-users also require services to help reduce risky behaviors. Finally, prevention efforts must be complemented by effective monitoring of the epidemic and of key behaviors that are responsible for risks and causes related to infection.