Wiping out disease is not all about finding a cure. Sometimes it's about changing attitudes and empowering a population. Education and a vision for the future are key. Whilst I've seen friends close to death from the grossly under recognised horrors of malaria, it is HIV/AIDS where I feel we could be of most help. My main points of concern are: - Alcohol abuse can lead to rape or sex by ill-judgement in any community. - Lack of respect for oneself can also lead to poor judgement in relationships and associated steps. - Old fashioned views in some countries that girls are there to "please" a man can lead to non-mutally beneficial/agreed upon relationships/sexual encounters. - Mixtures of religious rules (eg. such as no contraception by catholics) and tribal tales/beliefs (eg. that the only way to cure HIV is to have sex with a virgin) can create a deadly mix. My main ways of thinking about prevention are: - A person who is educated is less likely to find the need to enter into prostitution. - A person who is full of self confidence is less likely to enter into risky behaviour. - A person who is well educated about the dangers of HIV is more aware of their actions. - A person who has hobbies that they are passionate about is less likely to be involved in "mischief" created to pass the time. - Youth is the key. Educating a new generation will lead to A partnership between Global Fund and Global Rock Challenge www.rockchallenge.com.au would be a fantastic new direction to take prevention. Rock Challenge uses performing arts to engage students in school based activities. There are variations around the world which target different needs (South Africa = HIV prevention through empowerment, Japan = Tuancy and teen suicide, Dubai = safe driving, Australia = School attendance and skills for the future.. etc). They are all done by building youth goals, aspirations and educational engagement. Rock Challenge events happen in South Africa, New Zealand, UK, Australia, Japan, Dubai and Germany already. Global Fund would be a great link to extend the concept into other countries. A hybrid of Croc Festival (a 3-day festival for students involving sports, career information, eye and hearing tests, arts, craft, dance, traditional indigenous workshops etc) and Rock Eisteddfod Challenge (a professional event for students to work together to produce and perform an 8 minute dance drama peice to a massive audience) would be ideal for so many countries. There are opportunities for engaging daytime activities and information sessions to be held at the events. This type of prevention gets students off the streets and into dance halls. It covers a range of talents and interests (dancers, set design, back stage crew, costume making, travel planning etc etc) so that all students are able to contribute to their schools performace. It's also a great way to get parents and community members invloved in the school - build healthy relationships while teaching respect for yourself, your culture and your community. In-school activiites can be run in the lead up to the events about awareness etc and because of the pride the students have in participating and the overall excitiement, it is the perfect time/method of getting this information across.