While alternative evidence emerges in support of ABC formulae working
towards arresting the spread of HIV/AIDS, the ultimate secret lies in
behavioural change. The unending debate on whether to emphasise treatment
or prevention lead us no where because new behavioural change can only
reduce new infections. The existing ABC of HIV prevention may well be
effective but its effectiveness would perhaps call for a transformation
and recognition of male responsibility in materialising the same on
ground. On the other hand the autonomy of sexual negotiation by women
would perhaps take us a long way in successful implementation of ABC.
Hence, the alternative ABC could be thought of in terms of autonomy of
women, ensuring basic needs and creating awareness (ABC). Women’s autonomy
as well as ensuring basic needs (i.e. addressing extreme poverty) may
serve as a positive environment for effective prevention and creating
awareness will add in terms of recognition of male responsibility.
Competing interests:
None declared
Competing interests:
No competing interests
14 February 2005
Udaya S Mishra
Takemi Fellow, department of Population and International Health
Harvard school of Public Health, 665, Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA
Rapid Response:
An Alternative to existing ABC of HIV prevention
While alternative evidence emerges in support of ABC formulae working towards arresting the spread of HIV/AIDS, the ultimate secret lies in behavioural change. The unending debate on whether to emphasise treatment or prevention lead us no where because new behavioural change can only reduce new infections. The existing ABC of HIV prevention may well be effective but its effectiveness would perhaps call for a transformation and recognition of male responsibility in materialising the same on ground. On the other hand the autonomy of sexual negotiation by women would perhaps take us a long way in successful implementation of ABC.
Hence, the alternative ABC could be thought of in terms of autonomy of women, ensuring basic needs and creating awareness (ABC). Women’s autonomy as well as ensuring basic needs (i.e. addressing extreme poverty) may serve as a positive environment for effective prevention and creating awareness will add in terms of recognition of male responsibility.
Competing interests: None declared
Competing interests: No competing interests