UNAIDS/WHO statement

In response to the Swiss, UNAIDS and WHO issued a statement in February 2008 that recommended a comprehensive package of HIV prevention approaches including condom use.

The organisations acknowledged that when viral load is undetectable in blood the risk of HIV transmission is significantly reduced.

“However, it has not been proven to completely eliminate the risk of transmitting the virus,” they said. “More research is needed to determine the degree to which the viral load in blood predicts the risk of HIV transmission and to determine the association between the viral load in blood and the viral load in semen and vaginal secretions. Research also needs to consider other related factors that contribute to HIV transmission including comorbidity with other sexually transmitted diseases.”

UNAIDS and WHO underlined the importance of effective and proven HIV prevention methods for all people irrespective of their HIV status. They said that a comprehensive HIV prevention package includes, but is not limited to, delaying sexual debut, mutual fidelity, reduction of the number of sexual partners, avoidance of penetration, safer sex including correct and consistent male and female condom use, and early and effective treatment for sexually transmitted infections.¹