HIV prevention strategies

Abstract

Advances in treatment and prevention technologies have led to a decrease in incident HIV infections in the UK; however, sustained efforts are required to meet global and national targets to end HIV transmission. Combination HIV prevention programmes employ a mix of biomedical, behavioural and structural interventions and strategies to meet the prevention needs of a given population. They operate at the three levels of prevention in public health: preventing transmission and acquisition of HIV (primary prevention), reducing the severity of HIV infection through early detection and diagnosis (secondary prevention), and improving the quality of life for people living with HIV through treatment and support (tertiary prevention). HIV stigma can act as a barrier to accessing prevention and treatment. Educational and awareness campaigns, increasing opportunities for engagement through community and self-testing, and integrating HIV testing into routine healthcare environments can decrease stigma and encourage testing uptake. A ‘status-neutral’ approach to prevention can provide an entry point for testing and engagement with HIV care and prevention, encouraging testing uptake, and reducing stigma around HIV.