Microbicide Use Research Articles

Despite preventive measures, the problem of HIV infection in the Russian Federation remains important. The goal of prevention programs is to prevent the spread of HIV infection among the population. There are three levels of prevention. Primary prevention is aimed at the general population and is to minimize exposure to risk factors. It includes testing of donated blood for HIV, prevention of drug and alcohol abuse, education and training to promote safe sex, safe injection practices, circumcision, and the use of microbicides. Secondary prevention aims at early diagnosis for the disease and counselling of infected persons to prevent infecting others. Tertiary prevention aims to prevent disease progression and development of complications, and includes treatment, rehabilitation and social support for people living with HIV. Measures of tertiary prevention are partly fulfilling the role of primary preventive measures. Therefore, a high level of patients' adherence to antiretroviral therapy can significantly reduce the risk of transmitting the virus to their sexual partners due to the suppression of viral replication and therefore help reduce the spread of the disease among the population. In different subpopulations and regions, the importance of factors influencing epidemic process differs. Prevention programs should take into account the characteristics of the epidemic in each region. The review analyzes various directions, strategies and programs of HIV prevention, which are effective among the population.

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