15th International AIDS Conference Bangkok, Thailand - July 11-16, 2004

Int Conf AIDS 2004 Jul 11-16; 15:(abstract no. E10424)

Hardee K, Gribble J, Webber S
Futures Group, Washington DC, United States

BACKGROUND: Currently, the US Government is promoting the ABC approach (abstain, be faithful, use condoms) for HIV prevention, based on its reported success in Uganda. Proponents of this political/moral approach to ABC suggest that stress should be put on promoting abstinence and fidelity in marriage rather than on condom use. Opponents of the political/moral promotion of ABC say that the approach does not work and that the meanings of the A, the B and the C are subject to interpretation. What are the origins of the ABC approach and what is the scientific evidence to support its promotion?

METHODS: This paper outlines the progression of the ABC approach, from a scientific, public health approach to a political/moral approach to HIV prevention.

RESULTS: Current writing differs on where the ABC approach came from -suggested origins include Uganda, UNAIDS and WHO, an STD prevention strategy long before the HIV epidemic. The paper will also explore when, how and why the approach was adopted as a political/moral approach and how the scientific basis for the approach was interpreted to suit the political agenda for which the approach has now been adopted. Understanding the scientific roots of the approach will help further the dialog on ABC. Separating the scientific merits of ABC from the moral appeal is important in understanding how the two sides of the "ABC-approach divide" can reach common ground in promoting behavior change for HIV prevention.

CONCLUSIONS: Policymakers, program managers and donors alike need to understand the differences between the scientific and political/moral bases for promoting behavior change through ABC in order to engage in constructive dialog about the best methods of promoting behavior change in different countries and among various groups. The information in this paper should be disseminated widely.

040711
E10424

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