Advantages of ABC

Research has shown good evidence that ABC works

• Uganda is the most dramatic example of success from ABC. In the 1990s, the HIV infection rate among adults decreased from 15% to 5%. This achievement resulted from a massive health education campaign centered on ABC. Research has shown that A & B contributed more than other factors towards the decline in infection. Christian pastors and churches were highly instrumental in Uganda’s triumph by their promotion of A & B morality.  Please see the impressive chart for Uganda.

• Since Uganda, other countries have also shown declines in infection mainly from A & B, including Kenya and Zimbabwe.  Kenya’s HIV prevalence has decreased from 10% in the late 90s to 7% by 2003. Please see the Kenya chart.

ABC focuses on individual behaviors

• The straightforward message of the ABC formula helps people easily grasp the behaviors currently available to them to prevent HIV that they may exercise individual control over. In this regard, LifeRise is sensitive to gender concerns that women may not always have a choice in regard to sexual relations and negotiating ABC behaviors. However, in most countries the data shows that the majority of women are able to either refuse sex or propose condom use with their male partners. LifeRise will help empower individuals to choose protective behaviors.

ABC prevents adverse consequences in addition to HIV

• In addition to preventing HIV, ABC also prevents other sexually transmitted infections and unplanned pregnancy.

Advantages of A & B over C-only

A & B are risk elimination

• The combination of abstinence until marriage and mutual fidelity between uninfected partners is 100% effective to prevent the sexual transmission of AIDS. Condoms are only 80-90% effective when used correctly and consistently. This type of use has been shown to be rare among regular partners. Inconsistent condom use is no more effective than not using condoms at all. A & B are more effective than C-only, as these strategies eliminate rather than just reduce risk.

A & B do not require procurement of commodities

• A & B are free and readily available, while commodities may be expensive, difficult to access, and have quality issues.
 

A & B give additional options to C-only

• ABC is more compassionate in that it gives people more options to prevent a deadly disease. We should be giving those at risk every weapon available to fight AIDS to prevent the devastating effects of infection in their lives.