A vital link
There are both practical and moral reasons to link treatment with prevention. "We know from experience that treatment reinforces prevention," says Paulo Lyra, a communications specialist in PAHO's HIV/AIDS program. "People are more likely to get tested if they know there is treatment. If they test negative, they're more likely to avoid risky behavior so they can stay that way. If they test positive, they can take precautions to avoid infecting others."
Carol Vlassoff, head of the PAHO program, adds that the availability of treatment has been a key factor in reducing the stigma associated with the disease. "With treatment, AIDS is no longer a death sentence, and people find it easier to accept those who are HIV-positive." And as stigma is reduced, people are more willing to go for testing. Moreover, says Vlassoff, "treatment increases confidence in the health system in general and gives more credibility to its messages. If you see someone who is very ill with AIDS, and the health system is doing nothing to help them, why would you listen to prevention messages? Treatment is an integral part of the whole package."