Zimbabwe nothwithstanding 'voluntary testing and counseling' does have an effect

Aidsmap | Study finally backs up conventional wisdom: VCT does reduce risky sex

A study out of Zimbabwe recently provided much fodder for the proponents of circumcision who have staked the value of circumcision on the ineffectiveness of voluntary testing and counseling (VCT) in lowering HIV infection rates. But as is often the case with the claims used to support circumcision as prophylactic, contrary evidence is showing up to blunt their argument.

Link: Aidsmap | Study finally backs up conventional wisdom: VCT does reduce risky sex.

Comments

[Joe in CA]

What a brilliant innovation! People act with more caution when they are educated and aware. Go figure.

[J]

Well that is good news. It seems there has been quite a bit of interesting news recently. In addition to south east Asia, figures are being revised in Africa as well. And now reports that the message of prevention and taking responsibility for ones self is working. This is important because it is the only way to stop AIDS.

Although a couple of parts from this report are troubling. The low usage of condoms and the rate of disclosure. From the article, "Just one third of clients reported ever using a condom, and only 6% reported using condoms consistently with their primary partner; none used condoms consistently with non-primary partners.", which seems just insane considering the scope of the problem. I wonder if non-primary partner refers to concurrent partners or prostitutes. Either way this is a serious issue that needs to be figured out.

Also I wouldn't write Zimbabwe off too quickly as it seems things apparently aren't as bad as they imply in Zimbabwe. Just about two weeks ago, the Herald reported that according to figures release on Oct. 31, 2007, Zimbabwe's HIV prevalence rate continued to decline, nearly 10 percent over the past five years. It seems that the decline is being attributed to behavior change strategies which I assume to mean more condoms and fewer partners. Indeed, Bruce Campbell of UNFPA was quoted as saying: "Young people are having fewer partners and using more condoms. They have heard the messages, taken action, and are being safer."

These articles show a number of things. First, perhaps this is a case where different approaches work better various places. ABC in Zimbabwe, VCT in other countries. Second, we can see from these articles that there is a continued reluctance to face this problem head on; at both the individual, and sometimes the national levels. Although the younger the audience, it seems, the more successful the programs. That is encouraging. The most important point though is there individual success clearly demonstrates that controlling HIV/AIDS will have to be continuous and proactive. Always use condoms, regularly test, and have good communication with your partners. There are no short cuts; no quick fixes.