ABCD- STRATEGY FOR HIV/AIDS PREVENTION PPT

1. ABCD- STRATEGY FOR HIV
PREVENTION
BY
MUTEGEKI ADOLF

2. ABC- STRATEGY FOR HIV PREVENTION
•The ABC Strategy is a well-known approach to preventing
HIV transmission, particularly in sexual relationships.
• It focuses on three key principles:
A – Abstinence
B – Be Faithful
C – Condom Use
•This strategy has been widely promoted in HIV/AIDS
prevention programs, especially in Africa, as part of
comprehensive sexual health education

3. A – ABSTINENCE.
Abstinence refers to choosing not to engage in sexual intercourse
(either vaginal, anal, or oral sex) as a way to completely prevent HIV
transmission, other sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and
unintended pregnancies.
Types of Abstinence
 Complete Abstinence – No sexual activity at all.
Secondary Abstinence – Choosing to abstain after previously
being sexually active.
Situational Abstinence – Avoiding sex in risky situations (e.g.,
while under the influence of alcohol).

4. ✔ No exposure to HIV through sexual contact (100% effective).
Reduces risk of
✔ other STIs, which can increase susceptibility to HIV.
Prevents
✔ unplanned pregnancies that may pose health risks.
Helps young people focus on education, career, and personal
✔
development.
Who Benefits from Abstinence?
🔹 Young people and adolescents who are not ready for sexual
relationships.
🔹 Unmarried individuals who want to delay sex until marriage.
🔹 People in high-risk environments where HIV is common.
🔹 Religious or culturally committed individuals who follow
abstinence teachings.

5. B – BE FAITHFUL (The Second Pillar of the ABC
Strategy)
•Being faithful means having a mutually
monogamous relationship with an uninfected
partner to reduce the risk of HIV transmission
and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
•This approach encourages individuals to remain
committed to one sexual partner who has also
remained faithful.

6. ✔ Reduces the risk of HIV exposure by limiting sexual partners.
✔ Encourages trust and open communication about HIV testing
and sexual health.
Lowers the chances of contracting
✔ STIs, which increase HIV risk.
Promotes
✔ stable relationships, reducing high-risk behaviors.
Who Benefits from Being Faithful?
• Married couples and those in long-term relationships.
• Partners who have tested HIV-negative and remain committed to
each other.
• People who want to reduce their HIV risk without using condoms.

7. C – CONDOM USE (The Third Pillar of the ABC
Strategy)
•Condom use is one of the most effective ways to
prevent HIV transmission, sexually transmitted
infections (STIs), and unplanned pregnancies.
• When used correctly and consistently, male and
female condoms provide up to 98% protection
against HIV.

8. How Condoms Prevent HIV
 Act as a physical barrier, preventing direct contact with infected
body fluids (semen, vaginal fluids, blood).
Reduce the risk of HIV transmission during vaginal, and anal.
Protect against other STIs, such as gonorrhea, syphilis, and
chlamydia.
Prevent unintended pregnancies, giving individuals more
reproductive control.
Types of Condoms
Male Condoms – Worn on the penis
Female Condoms – Worn inside the vagina; provide internal
protection.

9. Who Should Use Condoms?
• Sexually active individuals who want to protect
themselves from HIV.
•People with multiple partners or uncertain about their
partner’s HIV status.
•Serodiscordant couples (one partner is HIV-positive, the
other is HIV-negative).
•Individuals who do not practice abstinence or
monogamy.

10. WEAKNESSES OF THE ABC STRATEGY
General Weaknesses of the ABC Strategy
• Does not fully address other transmission routes – HIV can also
spread through blood transfusions, shared needles, and mother-to-
child transmission, which ABC does not cover.
• Limited impact on key populations – High-risk groups (e.g., sex
workers, drug users, LGBTQ+ individuals) need additional strategies
like Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) and harm reduction programs.
• Over-simplified approach – HIV prevention requires a comprehensive
strategy, including regular HIV testing, treatment (ART), and
community education.

11. Weaknesses of "A – Abstinence"
• Difficult to sustain – Many individuals, especially
adolescents, struggle with lifelong abstinence.
• Fails to address sexual violence – Abstinence does not
protect victims of rape or coercion.
• Limited effectiveness in married couples – If one partner
is HIV-positive, abstinence is unrealistic.
• Relies on personal discipline – Many people eventually
become sexually active and may lack proper knowledge
about safer sex practices.

12. Weaknesses of "B – Be Faithful"
•Does not protect against an unfaithful partner – If
one partner cheats, the faithful one is still at risk.
•Assumes partners are honest about their HIV
status – Some may not disclose their status or past
relationships.
•Not effective in polygamous relationships –
Multiple partners increase exposure to HIV.
•Cultural and social limitations – In some societies,
multiple partners are accepted or encouraged.

13. Weaknesses of "C – Condom Use"
• Inconsistent and incorrect use reduces effectiveness – Many people
do not use condoms properly.
• Social and religious stigma – Some cultures and religions discourage
condom use.
• Access and affordability issues – Not everyone has easy access to
condoms.
• Risk of breakage or slippage – Improper use can lead to condom
failure.
• Requires negotiation and consent – Some partners, especially
women, may struggle to insist on condom use.