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Introduction: The recent availability of efficacious prevention interventions among stable couples offers new opportunities for reducing HIV incidence in sub‐Saharan Africa. Understanding the dynamics of HIV incidence among stable couples is critical to inform HIV prevention strategy across sub‐Saharan Africa. Methods: We quantified the sources of HIV incidence arising among stable couples in sub‐Saharan Africa using a cohort‐type mathematical model parameterized by nationally representative data. Uncertainty and sensitivity analyses were incorporated. Results: HIV incidence arising among stable concordant HIV‐negative couples contribute each year, on average, 29.4% of total HIV incidence; of those, 22.5% (range: 11.1%–39.8%) are infections acquired by one of the partners from sources external to the couple, less than 1% are infections acquired by both partners from external sources within a year and 6.8% (range: 3.6%–11.6%) are transmissions to the uninfected partner in the couple in less than a year after the other partner acquired the infection from an external source. The mean contribution of stable HIV sero‐discordant couples to total HIV incidence is 30.4%, with most of those, 29.7% (range: 9.1%–47.9%), being due to HIV transmissions from the infected to the uninfected partner within the couple. The remaining incidence, 40.2% (range: 23.7%–64.6%), occurs among persons not in stable couples. Conclusions: Close to two‐thirds of total HIV incidence in sub‐Saharan Africa occur among stable couples; however, only half of this incidence is attributed to HIV transmissions from the infected to the uninfected partner in the couple. The remaining incidence is acquired through extra‐partner sex. Substantial reductions in HIV incidence can be achieved only through a prevention approach that targets all modes of HIV exposure among stable couples and among individuals not in stable couples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article offers information on the twenty criteria on having effective interventions on health resources in developing countries such as Uganda and Tanzania in Africa. It mentions how scalability regarding interventions affects the priorities of health resources. It also cites the importance of cultural norms in preventing the occurrence of diseases. Moreover, it discusses how bed nets and other health procedures such as condoms and hand washing adds on the simplicity which affects the fragility of health systems.

A letter to the editor is presented in response to the article "Randomized, Controlled Intervention Trial of Male Circumcision for Reduction of HIV Infection Risk," in a 2005 issue.

Focuses on the integration of family planning and HIV prevention efforts in developing countries. Principles of integration; Status of health systems in the developing world; Keys to successful HIV prevention programs.

Despite a state law enacted 1972 which allowed minors to obtain contraceptive services without parental consent, births to very young women in Georgia (age 14 and less) have risen in recent years. Beginning in 1974, however, this trend has reversed. Increased access to induced abortion following the 1973 U.S. Supreme Court decision appears to have been responsible for the decline. Supporting this assertion are: 1) the temporal relationship between increased access to abortion and the decline in births, 2) the geographic evidence that the decline in births occurred first in Atlanta where abortion utilization is the highest and then followed in areas with somewhat more limited utilization , and 3) a similar observation that the decline occurred earlier and more markedly among young white teenagers whose abortion utilization is higher. Although abortion appears to have had to most visible impact on births, most people would probably agree that efforts toward providing contraception to these young women remain worth the challenge. The ratio of young teenagers accepting contraceptives to young teenagers getting pregnant is suggested as a useful intermediate indicator of the success of family planting program. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses how successful methods of HIV prevention change the public perception of risk level and in turn cause risky sexual behaviour. Circumcision of men and antiretroviral drug treatment have prevented the number of AIDS deaths but have raised concern that preventive behaviours will decrease. Some gay men are even taking HIV drugs purposely so they can engage in risky sexual behavior. Prevention education is stressed as a possible solution. INSET: Seven lessons from Uganda's early response to HIV.

Examines partner reduction as a crucial factor for balanced "ABC" approach to HIV prevention. Epidemiological importance of partner reduction; "ABCs" of sexual behavior change; Role of partner reduction in HIV prevention; Implications for behavior change programs.

Argues that the medical phrase 'First, do no harm' is an impossibility. How medical procedures entail the possibility of risk and error which can not be bypassed; Impact of the assumption that errors should not occur on the learning process; Discussion of the difference between errors of commission and omission; Suggestion that the phrase ignores the role of the patient in decision making.

The article discusses how Universal Health Coverage (UHC) can best serve its motto to provide needed health services to all without financial hardship. The author suggests five approaches which could help UHC to best serve developing countries. The author tells that promote healthy behaviours, enhance overall health literacy and prioritizing clinical services of utmost importance like immunization, family planning and antenatal care.

A letter to the editor in response to the article "HIV development assistance and adult mortality in Africa," by E. Bendavid, C.B. Holmes, J. Bhattacharya, G. Miller in previous issue of the journal and response made by the authors with reference to the letter are also presented.

Assesses provision of condoms in African countries, which are used in the prevention of HIV. Methods; Results; Conclusion that more condoms are needed to provide all African countries with a level equal to that of the six highest providing countries.