The three intervention axes

The NPHS groups all the objectives and measures into three intervention axes, with the objectives and measures in the individual axes addressing specific target groups.

Intervention axis 1

Intervention axis 1 is aimed at all those living in Switzerland. It is aimed particularly at:
Sexually active young women and men
Migrants from countries where HIV is not generalised but is widespread only in specific groups
Clients of sex workers
People travelling to areas where HIV is widespread

Everyone living in Switzerland should be aware of the fact that HIV and STIs constitute a problem and they should protect themselves in the event of risk contacts. They should practice safer-sex rules in exceptional situations, such as when travelling or engaging in unforeseen sexual experiences. They should know how to maintain their sexual health – targeted educational work is required amongst migrants, for example, in this respect.

Intervention axis 2

Intervention axis 2 is aimed at sexually active people with an increased risk of contamination with HIV and/or another STI. These are, on the one hand, members of population groups in which HIV is more widespread than in the general population. On the other hand, it includes groups which, for different reasons, such as frequency of sexual contact, are at higher risk of contamination with HIV or another STI. Explicitly, these are:

Men who have sex with men (MSM)
Migrants from countries in which HIV is widespread even among the general population
People who inject drugs (intravenous drug users [IDUs])
Sex workers
Prison inmates

Intervention axis 3

Intervention axis 3 is aimed at people with HIV and/or an STI plus their (non-infected) sexual partners. People with HIV must receive timely therapy in the correct way so that their viral load falls below the detection limit and they are no longer infectious during sexual contacts. People with an STI have to receive therapy as rapidly as possible and – where feasible – be cured. The most important challenge is that of keeping the (sexual) partners free from infection. This is why the voluntary information of partners and simultaneous treatment are of major importance.