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PERSONALIZING HIV PREVENTION A user-driven framework to protect vulnerable individuals H ow do you control a disease that has a dynamic risk profile? That’s the big question around HIV today. 3. Effective prevention happens at the point of risk People only need to take precautions when they’re at risk, so they are unlikely
“Fractal’s framework takes a multi- layered approach that recognizes the various elements at play, from health practitioners to cultural contexts.” and Prevention and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. We also sought input from all stakeholders, including funders, ministries, implementers, non-governmental organizations and advocacy groups, to help finalize the framework. A multi-layered approach Effective, user-driven self-care comes from collaborative decision-making and support. That’s why Fractal’s framework takes a multi-layered approach that recognizes the various elements at play, from health practitioners to cultural contexts.
Over the years, the development of rapid testing, effective treatments and a range of prevention options has transformed the virus from a fatal disease to a chronic, manageable condition. We no longer need population-wide prevention strategies and the funding that went with them has been cut accordingly. But HIV still presents a serious health issue, especially to certain groups of society. Today, HIV prevention is a three-fold challenge: 1. HIV risk is unevenly distributed and transient New infections are higher in marginalized groups, such as female sex workers, transgender people and men having sex with men. But the risk is linked to certain activities, so it isn’t the same for everyone, every day. 2. There’s more choice when it comes to prevention options Options range from condoms to pills and injectable treatments that can be taken daily, monthly or occasionally. It’s difficult for health workers to figure out who needs what.
to comply with a rigid prevention regime like taking a pill every day. This is about helping vulnerable individuals to assess their risk, evaluate their options and use them effectively. It takes a user-driven approach, and Fractal has developed a framework to help. Driving a change in perspective At Fractal, we have been advocating a data-driven, behavioral science perspective on HIV for over a decade. Now, our expertise in behavioral segmentation is helping to drive a shift towards a more user-centric approach to promoting prevention options. Our framework for user-driven HIV prevention provides the tools to put that approach into practice. To develop it, we rigorously analyzed existing research. Then we conducted targeted interviews and workshopped our ideas with leading disease prevention bodies including the United States President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, the Centers for Disease Control
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Volume 10 ai:sight by Fractal
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