Risk Avoidance and Reductions in HIV Infection: A Success Story from Uganda

Uganda's 70% decrease in the prevalence of HIV infection since the 1990s -- equivalent to a vaccine of 80% effectiveness -- has shown that HIV prevention can succeed even where resources are scarce.

Uganda's AIDS prevention and treatment programs demonstrate that the epidemic can be controlled, yet this success is often viewed with skepticism, and confusion persists in evaluating it. Stoneburner and Low-Beer reviewed population-based demographic and behavioral data in Uganda and in neighboring Kenya, Malawi, and Zambia to validate reductions in HIV infection rates, evaluate determinants, and explore the influence of preventive interventions.

Comparing data from Uganda with those from neighboring countries with similar epidemic dynamics shows that the epidemic in Uganda is distinct. Prevalence of HIV infection among pregnant women peaked in 1991 at 21.1% and by 2000 had declined to 6%. Overall infection rates declined significantly, espe…

Reviewing Author

SS Abdool Karim, MBChB, PhD

Risk Avoidance and Reductions in HIV Infection: A Success Story from Uganda

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Reviewing Author