On World AIDS Day 2009, GNP+, the University of the Witwatersrand and the Human Sciences Research Council released an exploratory study of coping strategies and life choices made by HIV-discordant couples in long-term relationships. The study, which was conducted with 51 couples in South Africa, Tanzania and the Ukraine, assessed the sexual health, reproductive desires, strategies for preventing HIV transmission to the negative partner, and sexual and reproductive health service needs of HIV discordant couples.

The study concluded that the needs of HIV-discordant couples have received insufficient attention in the research and policy agenda. Most interventions for HIV prevention, treatment, care and support are directed at individuals and there are few interventions for couples.

In the study HIV discordant couples speak of experiences of stigma and discrimination and emphasise the tension between their desire to have children and their fear of infecting their HIV-negative partner. HIV discordant couples should be provided with sexual and reproductive health services in a supportive and non-discriminatory environment; and should be engaged in the HIV response. Findings from the study are informing GNP+’s HIV prevention programmes.

Click here for the full and summary versions of the

 Summary - HIV Discordant Couples Study 1.20 Mb

 Coping Strategies and Life Choices of HIV-discordant Couples - Study report 0.6 Mb