Does ‘CNN’ (condoms, needles and negotiation) work better than ‘ABC (abstinence, being faithful and condom use) in attacking the AIDS epidemic?

This viewpoint, from International Family Planning Perspectives, argues that current HIV prevention models, while having had some success, do not address all risk factors. In particular, the author outlines risk factors for married women, condom stigma and the complexities of needle exchange programmes, and argues that these are not adequately addressed in the ABC (Abstinence, Be Faithful, Condoms) HIV prevention model. He then examines how the abstinence only views of the U.S. government and the Vatican, grounded in ideology rather than on scientific evidence, have imposed dangerous limitations on the success of HIV prevention programmes.

The author calls for a recognition of the complexity of sexual relationships, including issues of culture, tradition power and status. He argues that unequal power relationships between men and women must be recognised and interventions must be designed that provide realistic choices. Moreover, he calls for resistance to the imposition of morality on individuals. Instead, the author advocates respect for the individual and finding ways of giving people realistic and effective options. The author concludes that forty years of experience in family planning and reproductive health has shown that empowering individuals to make informed choices is the only approach that really works.[adapted from author]