Combination Approaches
Combination prevention approaches seek an optimal mix of mutually reinforcing biomedical, behavioral, and structural interventions to meet the needs of different groups.
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An Overview of Combination Prevention
Combination prevention is based on the idea that there is an optimal mix of interventions that will provide the greatest impact. Combination approaches are necessary because there is no single prevention intervention—or “magic bullet”—that fully protects against HIV. People require different prevention approaches over time as their risk changes. Moreover, within a given setting, HIV epidemics can occur simultaneously within different populations and among people in diverse social networks.
Updated: August 2012
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Enhancing the Reach & Effectiveness of MSM-Targeted Combination HIV Prevention Interventions
Men who have sex with men (MSM) can be difficult to reach with HIV prevention messages and services, since many are secretive about their sexual activities. To be successful, programs must address behavioral risk reduction and reach MSM in ways that reflect the diversity of their sexual behavior and their varied social and political contexts.
Updated February 2013.
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Harm Reduction for Injecting Drug Users
Drug use is a major factor in the spread of HIV infection in many settings. Sharing equipment used for injecting drugs transmits HIV, and drug use is linked with unsafe sexual activity that can increase HIV risk. Harm reduction programs focus on reducing the transmission of HIV associated with injecting drug use, while not necessarily trying to eliminate drug use itself.
Updated September 2010.
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HIV Prevention for Serodiscordant Couples
HIV-serodiscordant couples, in which one partner is HIV-positive and the other is HIV-negative, are now recognized as a priority for HIV prevention interventions.
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Positive Health, Dignity, and Prevention (PHDP)
Positive Health, Dignity, and Prevention (PHDP) interventions target people living with HIV to promote health and reduce the risk of transmission to others. PHDP is a combination approach characterized by its systematic delivery of a range of biomedical, behavioral, and social services within local communities.
Updated: June 2011