“Building on Success”: The U.S. President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief Third Annual Meeting and 2006 HIV Implementers' Meeting in Durban, South Africa, June 12-15, 2006

June 15, 2006 - Hosted in Durban, South Africa, by the Office of the U.S. Global AIDS Coordinator, the meeting brought together over twelve hundred people deeply engaged in HIV/AIDS research or clinical care. The Implementers' Meeting was designed to share real-time information about the prevention and improved treatment of HIV/AIDS, with the hope of replicating the success of current programs.

Mark Dybul, M.D., Acting U.S. Global AIDS Coordinator, described the Emergency Plan at the meeting as successful in preventing new cases because of its "ABC" approach, which stands for abstinence, being faithful, and, as appropriate, correct and consistent use of condoms. Dr. Dybul credits the "ABC" strategy for a reduction in HIV prevalence in Botswana, Ethiopia, Kenya, and Zimbabwe, as well as in some Caribbean countries and parts of India.

Reports from the meeting show excitement about the benefit of some prevention programs. For instance, studies on changing risk behavior in men and boys included a program entitled "Moonlight VCT" (voluntary counseling and testing) for reaching truck drivers and travelers along highways. This and other studies report more men are faithful to their partners and are more protective about their own health. Other studies show the programs helped men encourage their pregnant wives to be tested for HIV/AIDS. Prevention of maternal transmission of HIV to babies, and programs for orphans and vulnerable children were also key issues. Local Emergency Plan Partners presented studies of testing, initiating care, and the use of antiretroviral therapy, including improved compliance. Public-private partnerships to increase the involvement of the corporate section in HIV/AIDS programming and expand the scale of programs already in place were an important topic.

The Emergency Plan is the most complex and diverse HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment, and care program in the world. The United States will provide approximately $3.2 billion in FY2006 to support this effort in over 120 countries around the world.

For more information:

• Fact Sheet: New Partners Initiative (December 2005)

Last revised: August 15, 2007