Our work to prevent the spread of HIV

Prevention remains at the heart of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies’ (IFRC) approach to HIV. It is intrinsically linked to the work to end HIV stigma and discrimination, and to its care and treatment.

Effective prevention requires the development of life skills, education and social mobilization to counter the stigma and discrimination that can block access to treatment.

Effective care and treatment counter stigma and boost prevention. For example, motivating people to be tested for HIV encourages them to look after themselves and protect others. In contrast, the HIV pandemic is fuelled by discrimination and exclusion. If included in society, people living with HIV can continue to make a contribution.

IFRC prevention strategies will now be strengthened to include:
* peer education and community mobilization
* information, education and communication for targeted vulnerable groups
* promotion of voluntary counselling and testing
* promotion of prevention of mother to child transmission, involving fathers
* promotion of skills for personal protection, including condom use and clean needles

These prevention strategies are part of a more comprehensive program where the IFRC are committed to do more and to do it better in their collective fight against the HIV/AIDS epidemic:

1. Rising to the Challenge – the Red Cross Red Crescent approach to HIV. Read about our collective commitment to do more and to do better to reduce vulnerability to HIV and its worldwide impact.
2. Stigma and discrimination: The IFRC has been at the forefront of global efforts to reduce the stigma and discrimination associated with HIV and AIDS.
3. Care, treatment and support: Providing adequate care, treatment and support for people living with HIV is a priority in Red Cross Red Crescent HIV programmes.
4. Prevention: Community mobilization is the key to successful HIV prevention and Red Cross Red Crescent volunteers can make a tremendous difference as they live and work in affected communities across the world.
5. Case studies: Find out more about people living with HIV and how Red Cross Red Crescent volunteers have helped them.

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