Combination prevention: different ways to promote sexual health and prevent HIV, in addition to condoms
Over the past few years, new prevention options such as the use of medication and rapid testing for HIV have become available that can be combined to suit to each individual person’s needs and circumstances. Combination prevention refers to the use of a range of risk reduction strategies at different times to reduce the risk of contracting or transmitting HIV or another STI.
It includes various medical or behavioural methods that target different points in the HIV transmission cycle – before, during and after sex as well as in day-to-day life. While some interventions and approaches are more effective than others, none offers 100% protection. Using a number of strategies together as a “combination” can help you and your partners have the best possible protection.
Wider initiatives to improve the social context and access to services also play a role.