As easy as ABC? Primary prevention of sexually transmitted infections

Abstract

Uganda's ABC programme has led to dramatic decreases in HIV infection rates for over a decade. No country in the world has seen its HIV incidence fall through condom promotion alone. Changes in primary sexual behaviour are always present when HIV rates decline. Safer sex is first about partner choice and then condom use, but both are important. There are valid criticisms of the ABC approach but its critics and proponents alike should work together if the Ugandan success is to be maintained and replicated in other countries.