Element 4: Prevention
This element captures the coverage of HIV prevention programmes. Scores are generated on a selection of interventions based on the nature of the epidemic in each country. In the hyperendemic countries in Eastern and Southern Africa, the score is calculated only on the coverage of prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT). In other parts of Africa, scores are calculated on the coverage of PMTCT and prevention programmes directed at sex workers. In the rest of the world, the score is based on the coverage of programmes directed at sex workers, men who have sex with men and injecting drug users.
Read more about how this element was calculated
The mean score on prevention coverage does not appear to be effected by the type of epidemic, but it is significantly lower among high-income countries. Monitoring and/or reporting is poor among high-income countries, with only 12 percent reporting some data.
The only relatively strong association for this element is with ARV coverage (element 3) in generalized epidemics. This would appear to reflect global policy recommendations that strong treatment and prevention policies should complement each other in an effective response to AIDS, especially in countries with generalized epidemics.