Public Health

We apply public health principles within our work.

Broad definition of health
The goal of public health is to promote the health of communities. A broad definition of ‘health' is required to take into account the social determinants of health, which so significantly affect the achievement of this goal. WHO defines health as a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.

Addressing population vulnerability
In order to promote the health of communities at a population level, it is critical to understand the array of factors that place particular populations at risk of HIV transmission or exacerbate the impact of HIV, including the social factors that underscore such vulnerability. Understanding the causes of vulnerability and developing service and programme responses that address the needs of specific communities is essential in an effective response to HIV.

More information on key vulnerable populations.

Evidence-informed approaches
A comprehensive and participatory assessment of populations' needs, in order to identify, understand and address population vulnerability, requires an approach that is informed by evidence. Surveillance, monitoring and risk assessment, encompassing the collection of data related to health status, epidemiological analysis and population health research, provide an essential evidence base for the development and delivery of programmes.

More information on evidence-based programming.

Prevention
Public health response to HIV encompasses three levels of prevention activities:

  • primary prevention measures to prevent HIV transmission
  • secondary prevention measures to ensure early detection and successful management and treatment for PLHIV
  • tertiary prevention measures to limit the further negative effects of HIV and increase the quality of life of PLHIV.

The public health model of primary, secondary and tertiary prevention may not be the language that all NGOs use. Nonetheless, this approach reflects what we do. We work to prevent HIV transmission, provide treatment, care and support, and address the underlying causes of HIV and its impacts.

More information on HIV prevention.

Community organisation
Communities are a vital part of the HIV response. Communities must be mobilised, informed and empowered to enable them to increase control over, and to improve, their health. This means that communities must be involved in setting priorities, making decisions, and planning and implementing strategies to achieve better health. At the heart of this process is the empowerment of communities, and their ownership and control of their own endeavours.

More information on the meaningful involvement of PLHIV and affected communities.

Public policy
Public health policy seeks to influence the social conditions that affect health by promoting the use of a scientific knowledge base and an understanding of the determinants of health in the development of public policy, legislation and health systems to provide an enabling environment for effective responses to HIV.