To be effective, prevention strategies have to consider AIDS as part of a complete approach to reproductive health, including family planning, contraception, pregnancy and abortion counseling, as well as the dangers of other sexually transmitted diseases.

This is why President Bush's decision to block U.S. government funding of overseas family planning efforts was so destructive of efforts to prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS in the developing world. HIV/AIDS counseling cannot be separated from family planning services.

Moreover, many family planning clinics diagnose and treat sexually transmitted diseases. If Bush's funding cuts force them to close, more people infected by sexually transmitted diseases will be susceptible to HIV infection.