UNAIDS/WHO Working Group on Global HIV/AIDS/STI

Research studies from Uganda and India

This report is on the development and implementation of programmes: theory, methodology and practice.

Resource mobilisation.

The transmission of HIV and other STDs during sexual intercourse can be effectively prevented when quality condoms are used correctly and consistently. Studies on serodiscordant couples (only one of whom is HIV-positive) have shown that, with regular sexual intercourse over a period of two years, partners who consistently used condoms had a near zero risk of HIV infection.

Social marketing has become an increasingly popular way of addressing serious health issues in developing countries. By using traditional commercial marketing techniques, social marketing makes much-needed products available and affordable to low-income people. In the mid-80s, condom social marketing emerged as an effective tool against the spread of HIV/AIDS. This document defines social marketing, as well as highlighting the three key lessons learned in promoting condom social marketing. These include the fact that seed money can effectively be used to leverage additional resources for major public health impact; social marketing can be applied to new products and services; and social marketing can help create an enabling and supportive environment for behavioural change. The document also discusses UNAIDS’ role in social marketing.

An African Appeal for an AIDS vaccine.

Ethical Issues in preventive HIV Vaccine Trials

The female condom is a soft but strong sheath made of clear polyurethane plastic. The sheath has two plastic rings at either end. The one at the closed end is used to help with insertion and to keep the condom in place against the cervix. The ring at the open end is slightly larger and remains outside the vagina, covering both the woman's genitalia and the base of the man's penis.

This paper provided background information to planners and participants involved in the International Consultation on Peer Education and HIV/AIDS which took place in Kingston, Jamaica, 18-21 April 1999.