Communication is a central part of any HIV intervention program with a component on reduction of multiple and concurrent partnerships. Behavior change communication—specifically “partner-reduction” messages—is often a first step in implementing an intervention to reduce the occurrence of MCP. MCP interventions should feature communication campaigns that encourage people to adopt safer sexual behaviors, including avoidance of multiple and concurrent partnerships, and that are tailored to the specific needs and circumstances of groups at risk. These communication efforts should be based on the local social and cultural context and, ideally, should involve communitites in developing and framing the communication messages employed. 

Communication programs can employ a number of communication channels, from mass media to community-level interventions and interpersonal communication. Community-level activities help to build the capacity of local organizations, while mobilizing resources and improving strategies for behavior change communication.

The resources included in this section of the toolkit provide examples of mass media campaigns developed to address MCP, behavior change communication resources relevent to MCP, handbooks for working with media and a handbook to assist program managers and policymakers who are interested in advocacy work and in the policy aspects of HIV/AIDS prevention. To go directly to one of the sections, click on one of the links below:

Mass Media Campaigns

Behavior Change Communication

Working With Media

Advocacy