Section outline

  • Question stem

    To control HIV infection in a rural community in a developing country, what three public health measures may be used to help achieve maximum effectiveness and impact? (6 marks)

    For each of these measures, describe why they are effective in preventing the spread of HIV. (14 marks)

    Answer key

    The answer might discuss three of the following interventions:

    • syndromic treatment of sexually transmitted disease (STD): how clinical trials have shown efficacy in HIV prevention
    • provision of free condoms in STD clinics: how this may be achieved and what evidence there is for effectiveness
    • health advice concerning the mode of HIV transmission: the best way to provide this
    • male circumcision: how this may be achieved and what evidence there is for effectiveness
    • provision of antiretroviral therapy: what evidence there is for effectiveness