2003 Illinois HIV/AIDS Policy Priorities: Background on HIV Prevention

HIV Prevention Programs Work

The Institute of Medicine (IOM) , National Institutes of Health (NIH) , Joint United Nations Program on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) and CDC Prevention Research Synthesis Project (PRS) have all completed scientific reviews of HIV prevention programs and all have come to the same conclusion: HIV prevention programs work. The evidence presented in these reviews indicates that successful and effective prevention programs currently exist to meet the needs of a wide variety of populations including men who have sex with men (MSM), injection drug users (IDU), and heterosexuals. Furthermore, a recently published study by a leading HIV prevention researcher estimates HIV prevention efforts in the U.S. have saved 1.5 million lives.

Scientifically Proven HIV Prevention Programs Include:

Syringe Availability-In March 2000, the U.S. Surgeon General prepared a review of all peer-reviewed, scientific studies of syringe exchange programs completed since 1998. The review reaffirmed that there is "conclusive evidence that syringe exchange programs, as part of a comprehensive HIV prevention strategy, are an effective public health intervention that reduces transmission of HIV and does not encourage the illegal use of drugs." Additionally, research from Connecticut and other states have proven that making syringes available through pharmacies without a prescription is an effective HIV prevention strategy.

Syringe access is one component of a comprehensive strategy to prevent HIV transmission among injection drug users, their partners, and their children. This broad-based approach, known as harm reduction, provides the individual with an array of strategies to reduce their risk for HIV. These strategies include syringe access, drug prevention programs, HIV prevention education, and drug treatment on demand.

Correct and Consistent Use of Condoms-For people who are sexually active, condoms provide the best method to prevent the transmission of HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases. When used correctly and consistently, condoms provide an effective barrier, blocking the pathway of HIV during sexual activities. A meta-analysis of several studies conducted by the National Institutes of Health found an 85% decrease in risk of HIV transmission among consistent condom-users.

Medically Accurate and Comprehensive Sexuality Education-Research has shown that the most effective sexual health programs are medically accurate and comprehensive. They focus on delaying sexual behavior and provide information on how sexually active young people can protect themselves. Research indicates that comprehensive HIV/STD education does not lead to an increase in or early initiation of sexual activity; some studies show a positive association between early HIV/STD education and the delay of sexual activity.

Behavioral Interventions-An extensive body of research exists on how to help individuals change their HIV-related risk behaviors. Research has shown that aggressive promotion of safer sexual behavior and prevention and treatment of substance abuse could avert tens of thousands of new HIV infections and potentially save millions of dollars in healthcare costs. Effective models identified by the CDC include multiple, individual and small group sessions; client-centered, interactive education sessions; peer-led interventions; comprehensive health education; and structural and environmental interventions.

Printable Document

Executive Summary

HIV Prevention Priorities

HIV Care Priorities

Prevention Background

Policy Priorities Archive