UNAIDS/WHO statement

UNAIDS and WHO issued their own statement in February 2008 in response to the Swiss Statement. They recommended a comprehensive package of HIV-prevention approaches, including condom use.1 The organisations acknowledged that when viral load is undetectable in blood the risk of HIV transmission is significantly reduced.

“However, it has not been proven to completely eliminate the risk of transmitting the virus,” they said. “More research is needed to determine the degree to which the viral load in blood predicts the risk of HIV transmission and to determine the association between the viral load in blood and the viral load in semen and vaginal secretions. Research also needs to consider other related factors that contribute to HIV transmission including comorbidity with other sexually transmitted diseases.”

UNAIDS and WHO underlined the importance of effective and proven HIV-prevention methods for all people irrespective of their HIV status. They said that a comprehensive HIV-prevention package includes, but is not limited to, delaying sexual debut, mutual fidelity, reduction of the number of sexual partners, avoidance of penetration, safer sex, including correct and consistent male and female condom use, and early and effective treatment for sexually transmitted infections.

References

  1. UNAIDS Antiretroviral therapy and sexual transmission of HIV. 1 February, 2008
This content was checked for accuracy at the time it was written. It may have been superseded by more recent developments. NAM recommends checking whether this is the most current information when making decisions that may affect your health.
Community Consensus Statement on Access to HIV Treatment and its Use for Prevention

Together, we can make it happen

We can end HIV soon if people have equal access to HIV drugs as treatment and as PrEP, and have free choice over whether to take them.

Launched today, the Community Consensus Statement is a basic set of principles aimed at making sure that happens.

The Community Consensus Statement is a joint initiative of AVAC, EATG, MSMGF, GNP+, HIV i-Base, the International HIV/AIDS Alliance, ITPC and NAM/aidsmap
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This content was checked for accuracy at the time it was written. It may have been superseded by more recent developments. NAM recommends checking whether this is the most current information when making decisions that may affect your health.

NAM’s information is intended to support, rather than replace, consultation with a healthcare professional. Talk to your doctor or another member of your healthcare team for advice tailored to your situation.