Going beyond "ABC" to include "GEM": critical reflections on progress in the HIV/AIDS epidemic

Am J Public Health. 2007 Jan;97(1):13-8. doi: 10.2105/AJPH.2005.074591. Epub 2006 Nov 30.

Abstract

A considerable number of studies have sought to identify what factors accounted for substantial reductions in HIV seroprevalence after several countries deployed "ABC" (abstinence, be faithful, condom use) strategies. After much public discourse and research on ABC success stories, the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS 2004 epidemic report indicated that nearly 50% of infected people worldwide were women, up from 35% in 1985. In light of the feminization of HIV/AIDS, we critically assess the limitations of ABC strategies. We provide 3 additional prevention strategies that focus on gender relations, economics, and migration (GEM) and can speak to the new face of the epidemic. Pressing beyond ABC, GEM strategies provide the basis for a stronger central platform from which national efforts against HIV/AIDS can proceed to reduce transmission risks.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / economics
  • Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / epidemiology
  • Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / prevention & control
  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Coercion
  • Communicable Disease Control / methods*
  • Condoms
  • Culture
  • Female
  • Global Health*
  • HIV Infections / economics
  • HIV Infections / epidemiology
  • HIV Infections / prevention & control*
  • Heterosexuality / ethnology
  • Humans
  • Incidence
  • Interpersonal Relations
  • Male
  • National Health Programs*
  • Power, Psychological
  • Program Evaluation
  • Schools
  • Sexual Abstinence / ethnology
  • Socioeconomic Factors
  • Transients and Migrants
  • United Nations
  • Women's Health / economics
  • Women's Health / ethnology*