Policy

The reduction of multiple and concurrent partnerships (MCP) is gaining priority among HIV prevention efforts in sub-Saharan Africa. Nongovernmental organizations are leading this work through various initiatives including: research, intervention campaigns, advocacy, and communications.

Two priorities for addressing MCP have been identified by several HIV prevention experts, including UNAIDS and the Soul City Institute. These priorities are:

First Priority: A reduction in multiple and concurrent partnerships, including a reduction in the number and density of sexual networks through social and behavioral change and, where feasible, through addressing structural factors (such as lengthy separation of partners
due to employment practices and economic migration) that increase the likelihood of MCP.

Second Priority:  A reduction in the transmission of HIV within multiple and concurrent partnerships, and particularly within known discordant relationships (involving one partner who is HIV positive and the other HIV negative) including through consistent, correct male or female condom use, male circumcision, HIV counselling and testing (though antibody tests during the acute infection phase are generally negative) and antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence.

Comprehensive guidance to shape initiatives and implement programs that effectively address MCP is still needed. The resources in this section of the toolkit may help both government health officials and policymakers develop policies and guidelines to reduce MCP. In this section of the toolkit you will find resources on:

Policy Guidance and Recommendations

Policy Issues

Policy Guidance and Recommendations

In 2006, UNAIDS and the Southern Africa Development Community met and concluded that 'high levels of multiple and concurrent sexual partnerships by men and women with insufficient consistent, correct condom use, combined with low levels of male circumcision are the key drivers of the HIV/AIDS epidemic in the sub-region.' One of two key priority interventions the meeting recommended was the need to significantly reduce MCP for both men and women. Addressing MCP in HIV prevention requires targeted locally informed and culturally relevant messages to raise personal awareness of risk and change socio-cultural norms around sexual partnering. Gathered here are national and international reports on meetings, program experience, guidelines, and other policy-related readings.

Policy issues

Two central issues confronted by policy makers are the statistical biases that interfere with efforts to measure the incidence of multiple and concurrent partnerships (MCP) and the stigma associated with the practice, which creates a barrier to the research needed to inform policy.
      • » Measurement
      • » Stigma