The concept of health promotion and AIDS prevention. A comprehensive and integrated basis for action in the 1990s

Abstract

This paper examines programmes directed towards preventing HIV infection from a health promotion perspective. The five action areas for health promotion set out in the Ottawa Charter are each considered. These are: promoting healthy public policy, creating supportive environments, developing personal skills, strengthening community action and reorienring health services. Examples of good practice are highlighted, and the importance of learning from experience gained from other health promotion programmes is emphasized. The authors recommend that less effort is put into high profile, mass media activity, and that more comprehensive approaches to preventing HIV infection are adopted. Pragmatism and flexibility in gaining public and political support are also urged.