We could slow down the world-wide HIV epidemic

We could slow down the world-wide HIV epidemic if everyone had the information they need about preventing infection, and had society's support to help them act on it.

Young men growing up gay need access to good information about how to avoid becoming infected with HIV.

In countries (like the UK) with forward-thinking programmes for injecting drug users, including needle exchange schemes and methadone schemes, rates of HIV among drug users are relatively low. In other countries, like Spain, France and the USA, HIV has spread rapidly because of public reluctance to protect the health of drug users.

Religious, cultural or economic restrictions can make it hard for people to use condoms and protect themselves and their partners. A woman who is economically dependant on a man may find it impossible to ask for safer sex. World-wide,women are most commonly infected by their husbands or permanent partners.

Denial by national leaders that some behaviours happen, such as sex between men or drug injecting, can make it particularly difficult for people to avoid the risks. Some governments do not accept that HIV is an issue for them at all. As the former Director of the WHO Global Programme on AIDS has said: "Denial at personal, social, national and international level has been a constant problem and remains today a grave threat to public health."

People often react with prejudice and denial to things they do not understand. These reactions to HIV and AIDS hinder HIV prevention programmes, and they make life more difficult for people living with HIV and AIDS. Every one of us can make a difference to the AIDS epidemic by fighting prejudice, challenging denial and increasing understanding.