| Title | Transmission of HIV-1 infection in sub-Saharan Africa and effect of elimination of unsafe injections. |
| Publication Type | Journal Article |
| Year of Publication | 2004 |
| Authors | Schmid, George P., Anne Buvé, Peter Mugyenyi, Geoff P. Garnett, Richard J. Hayes, Brian G. Williams, Jesus Garcia Calleja, Kevin M. De Cock, James A. Whitworth, Saidi H. Kapiga, Peter D. Ghys, Catherine Hankins, Basia Zaba, Robert Heimer, and Ties J. Boerma |
| Journal | Lancet |
| Volume | 363 |
| Issue | 9407 |
| Pagination | 482-8 |
| Date Published | 2004 Feb 7 |
| ISSN | 1474-547X |
| Keywords | Adolescent, Adult, Africa South of the Sahara, Age Distribution, Child, Child, Preschool, Equipment Contamination, Female, HIV Infections, HIV-1, Humans, Injections, Injections, Intramuscular, Male, Middle Aged, Needles, Prevalence, Sex Distribution, South Africa |
| Abstract | During the past year, a group has argued that unsafe injections are a major if not the main mode of HIV-1 transmission in sub-Saharan Africa. We review the main arguments used to question the epidemiological interpretations on the lead role of unsafe sex in HIV-1 transmission, and conclude there is no compelling evidence that unsafe injections are a predominant mode of HIV-1 transmission in sub-Saharan Africa. Conversely, though there is a clear need to eliminate all unsafe injections, epidemiological evidence indicates that sexual transmission continues to be by far the major mode of spread of HIV-1 in the region. Increased efforts are needed to reduce sexual transmission of HIV-1. |
| DOI | 10.1111/j.1360-0443.2010.03149.x |
| Alternate Journal | Lancet |
