Reflections On the Past Decades of STD/HIV Prevention: Evolving Norms, Behaviors and Science

Over the past three to four decades, major changes have taken place in STD/HIV epidemiology, the factors that influence it, the science base available for better understanding of sexual transmission, the resources invested in prevention, and the political dynamics surrounding sexuality and sexual health. Many of these changes are highly favorable for limiting the spread of sexually transmitted infections, including HIV.  Our understanding of transmission dynamics has improved greatly and it is now possible to prevent HIV transmission through treatment.  Other changes pose challenges to prevention.  These include declining resources resulting from the recent global economic crisis and inefficiencies in resource allocation, program management, and sustainability.  This session will focus on the relevant changes that have taken place over the past three to four decades and the context they have created for STI/HIV prevention in the United States and globally.