Why Classification for HIV/AIDS Prevention Interventions?
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
7-2003
Abstract
Addresses the issue of establishing a national standardized classification system for HIV/AIDS prevention interventions. Because of the absence of standardized reporting of HIV/AIDS prevention interventions, it cannot be determined if harm is being done to the at-risk population. The article expresses concern about some serious issues like surveillance, inflexibility and consistency that arise due to the lack of a classification system. Also, it discusses the implications of a national expert panel meeting held in July 2001, which was organized by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This meeting comprised senior scientists and administrators from other federal public health agencies, who expressed strong practical, scientific, and legal reasons for a national standardized HIV/AIDS prevention intervention taxonomy. Further, the article raises questions about the amount the money spent on certain types of interventions when these interventions can't be scientifically or practically compared and may be causing more harm than good.