When we examine the actual HIV prevalence rate in pregnant women in major cities in these same countries, there is a significant difference between perception and reality. For example, although half of young sexually active women in Zimbabwe feel they are at no risk for contracting AIDS, one third of pregnant women in major urban areas in Zimbabwe are already HIV-infected and will develop AIDS, given our current understanding of the natural history of HIV and the lack of antiretroviral treatment in these areas. Even in countries where the HIV prevalence is much lower, because many young women do not think they are at risk of getting AIDS, they will be less likely to protect themselves with safer sexual practices.

The reasons people may think they are not at risk for HIV/AIDS include lack of knowledge about HIV infection, how it is transmitted and the level of risk in their area. However, it may also be because they do not know or believe that their behavior or their partner’s behavior places them at personal risk for becoming infected with HIV.

This underscores the importance of wide reaching education to convey accurate information about HIV, to counter or dispel misperceptions and myths and most important to promote prevention.