In certain developed countries, like Australia, drug users are able to obtain a needle. What is less recognized, however, is that the cultural beliefs and expectations that make this the case also heighten men's own vulnerability. HIV infections and AIDS deaths in men outnumber those in women on every continent, except for sub-Saharan Africa. Therefore, men have to make a difference. I should use the condom' or 'I shouldn't have sex with her if she doesn't want to,' said Ackermans.
Men are part of the problem, and they are also part of the solution.
In general, there are more men involved in promiscuous behavior and drug usage, but the sad thing is that these men are the ones who bring the virus back home and pass it on to their wives or partners, and children. However, focusing the campaign on men also acknowledges the fact that men are often less likely to seek health care as compared to women. We are working on finding a cure, but we haven't got it yet. No matter how difficult it is to find the cure, more efforts should be put in this area. The media, said Ackermans, should help in creating awareness and enhancing knowledge on the disease.