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Abstract
Explaining dramatic positive changes in reported behaviours and STI prevalence amongst MSM and FSWS in Andhra Pradesh (AP) India
S. McPherson1, S. Bertozzi2, C. De Zoysa3, S. Ghosh4, J.P. Gutierrez2, A. Fakoya4
Issues: Recent evaluation data (see Abstract-No: A-072-0161-05894) have highlighted dramatic positive changes amongst key population groups taking place in AP over the last four years. This presentation opens the debate about what the possible explanations for this could be.
Description: A large scale prospective evaluation led by the National Institute of Public Health in Mexico in conjunction with the International HIV/AIDS Alliance has provided compelling evidence of positive changes amongst key populations (KP) across the state. Condom use with clients has increased significantly amongst both FSW and MSM groups over the period. For both FSWs and MSM, prevalence of syphilis and HSV 2 halved over the 4-year period.
Lessons learned: Something dramatic seems to have happened in AP that has been captured by this preliminary evaluation data. The following examples of emergent explanatory hypothesises need to be explored (along with others) and assessed for relative importance.
i) The type and intensity (level of saturation) of community focused prevention interventions implemented in this state by a broad range of actors has produced results. This suggests the possibility of a non-linear relationship of coverage and impact, with much greater effect once certain coverage levels are reached.
ii) Accountability/supervision of interventions by the key stakeholders was greater than the norm, this may be an essential determinant of implementation efficiency.
iii) State-level leadership and high profile media campaigns were mobilized and may have played an important factor.
Next steps: The relative importance of these explanatory variables should be further explored in the context of what has happened in AP over the last four years. Future program expansions must incorporate rigorous prospective evaluations so that the global prevention programming in future years can be both more effective and more efficient.
AIDS 2008 - XVII International AIDS Conference
Abstract no.
CDC0426
Suggested Citation
"S.McPherson, et al.
Explaining dramatic positive changes in reported behaviours and STI prevalence amongst MSM and FSWS in Andhra Pradesh (AP) India.
:
AIDS 2008 - XVII International AIDS Conference:
Abstract no.
CDC0426"
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