Behavioral and biomedical combination strategies for HIV prevention.
Around 2.5 million people become infected with HIV each year. This extraordinary toll on human life and public health worldwide will only be reversed with effective prevention. What's more, in the next few years, it is likely at least, that no single prevention strategy will be sufficient to contain the spread of the disease. There is a need for combination prevention as there is for combination treatment, including biomedical, behavioral, and structural interventions. Expanded HIV prevention must be grounded in a systematic analysis of the epidemic's dynamics in local contexts. Although 85% of HIV is transmitted sexually, effective combinations of prevention have been shown for people who inject drugs. Combination prevention should be based on scientifically derived evidence, with input and engagement from local communities that fosters the successful integration of care and treatment.
The Desmond Tutu HIV Centre, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town 7925, South Africa. Linda-gail.bekker@hiv-research.org.za
Linda-Gail
LG
Bekker
Chris
C
Beyrer
Thomas C
TC
Quinn
D019380:Anti-HIV Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001521:Behavior Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D002944:Circumcision, Male; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D017280:Condoms / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D003376:Counseling; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000635:transmission; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000379:methods; D020010:Heterosexuality; D018451:Homosexuality, Male; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008954:Models, Biological; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D040242:Risk Reduction Behavior; D012749:Sexually Transmitted Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control; D015819:Substance Abuse, Intravenous / Q000517:prevention & control
D019380:Anti-HIV Agents