Helene Gayle (CARE USA) reminded us that in 1995 the world was in emergency mode about HIV, but now we need a different approach. "What we need today is to look at HIV prevention as a marathon as opposed to a sprint."

"If I were Executive Director of UNAIDS... I wouldn't last very long," laughed Peter Figueroa (Jamaica's Ministry of Health). "... [M]uch more needs to be done... Prevention is not just a science, but an art." We must figure out how to bridge the gap between what people think is "morally right" and condoning evidence that they think is "morally wrong" - such as needle exchange or providing condoms to men in jail.

"What is wrong with the [HIV] response in the present moment?" Nonkosi Khumalo  (Treatment Action Campaign) asked. She emphasized that the world must respond to the different needs of different places. "One size does not fit all."  She then provoked her colleagues: "PEPFAR money is not responsive to women - who carry the brunt of HIV."

Vuyiseka Dubula (Treatment Action Campaign) added, "We must prioritize investments for women, especially evidence-based prevention. We will not have an HIV-free generation if we encourage things that don't work."

"If ever there was an idea that's not evidence-based, it's that better evidence leads to better policy," said Elizabeth Pisani, author of The Wisdom of Whores (see Jennifer Johnson's August 6th article). She prompted the audience to address ways to overcome the political barriers to using evidence.

Looking forward, the panelists hoped that women will take the lead, HIV will be treated as a development issue, and we will focus on prevention efforts where they are needed and effective.

This article originally appeared in Issue Thirteen of the Caucus for Evidence-Based Prevention newsletter and was published online by RH Reality Check.