Prevention of HIV Transmission

The primary means of HIV transmission among young people is sex. This is why our prevention efforts are focused on sexual health and behaviour. We focus on empirically proven and realistic strategies – prevention for the real world. Often this means risk or harm reduction rather than the elimination of all risk. Real-world prevention consists of abstinence, partner reduction and safer sex. These are the ABCs of prevention.

A = abstinence or delay of sexual activity.

B = be faithful, includes:

• partner reduction; and
• avoiding high risk partners.

C = condom use/safer sex, includes:

• using barrier contraceptives (i.e. condoms) particularly for high risk sex; and
• opting for low-risk sexual practices.