Prevention is for Life

UNITED NATIONS, New York – In conjunction with the 2008 high-level meeting on AIDS at the United Nations headquarters in New York on 10 - 11 June, UNFPA has launched a booklet documenting success stories in HIV prevention from around the world.

The booklet includes real-life examples of how information, counselling, services and commodities – such as male and female condoms – can make the difference between life and death in diverse settings.

This is not a revolutionary concept, but one that needs to be affirmed over and over as each new generation moves into their sexually active years and as the virus continues to make inroads into vulnerable populations such as women, migrants, young people and children.

The booklet uses stories about street gangs in Belize and HIV-positive youth in the Russian Federation to underscore the importance of effective strategies to address HIV among young people. Young people are a key focus of UNFPA work and the Fund is sending youth representatives to the high-level meeting to share their perspectives.

A story from Nigeria highlights the importance of male and female condoms. It describes a couple in which one partner is HIV-positive and the implications of that for their future together and their desire to have children safely.

A feature describing a micro-credit project in Tajikistan illustrates the connections between poverty, gender equality, migration and vulnerability to HIV.

Stories from China and Cairo discuss innovative ways of reaching out to and empowering at-risk populations.

And a heartbreaking tale from Ethiopia underscores UNFPA’s commitment to those who are facing life with HIV and trying to live to the fullest while protecting their children.