Even when an effective HIV vaccine eventually emerges, experience have shown that it will take years to make it available to all who need it. Primary prevention effects will still have to be sustained. Good leaders know when it is right to be certain about key issues. Actions are based on clear values, and are informed by scientific analysis of available information, and past experience. They are not just based on belief, anecdote or ideology.
Good leaders are able to change positions when faced with new evidence.
Efforts to prevent HIV infection must prioritise the groups most vulnerable to infection. Ensuring regular condom use by a person who has 1000 different sex partners each year is much more efficient at reducing HIV transmission than ensuring condom use by 1000 people who have one new partner a year. This will have to change. We are certain that condoms work, particularly among those who change partners often. Men's reluctance to use them should not be used by governments and NGOs as an excuse for not promoting them.