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The need for better protection
| Last updated: 19.05.03 |
Working to develop new prevention technologies means acknowledging the limitations of current means to control the epidemic. This may be seen as challenging the idea that more should be done to make effective use of the strategies we already have. This threatens more than is seen at first sight, and so it needs to be considered before looking at any of those new technologies.
Existing valid strategies may include: education for knowledge and skills; challenging or reinforcing traditional patterns of behaviour; selectively promoting condoms, clean needles and better use of medical treatment.
Along with preventing HIV and AIDS, much HIV prevention work has other goals. These may include changing gender relations, to increase boys' respect for girls and women and the confidence of girls and women in their ability to achieve their ambitions. Campaigners seek to increase the self-respect and social standing of people who have been marginalised in many societies, such as men who have sex with men and injecting drug users. Above all, people with HIV are becoming central to HIV prevention. It is essential to address their needs and secure their involvement to counter the stigma which prevents people finding out their status and/or taking action to protect other people.
These aims are important and worthwhile. They should be advanced, not threatened, by giving people better means to protect themselves against HIV and AIDS. However, when people think of new technologies as a magic bullet, an alternative to existing methods of prevention rather than a way of strengthening them, those other aims and the values that underpin them may seem to be under threat.
It is important that advocates for new prevention technologies understand, anticipate and address such concerns, to secure community support both for the evaluation and the future adoption of successful products.