The information we have reviewed so far shows that prevention of HIV is possible and prevention efforts have been successful in several areas with limited-resources. There are a number of barriers to prevention however, several of which affect women disproportionately. There is still an enormous stigma associated with HIV infection because of ignorance and fear. In many areas, women may be blamed for transmitting infection to their newborns or to men through sex work. Women are often unaware of their partner’s infection status or risky behaviors and, therefore, may not realize they need to use protection during sex. Furthermore, women may be unable to negotiate safer sex practices because of sexual coercion, physical or emotional violence, or fear of abandonment because they are economically depending on their partners.