Posted Date: 09th Dec 2011
AHPN through NAHIP has been involved in activities in London and Manchester to roll out Plus one: a qualitative study of African people who are in sero-discordant relationships.
AHPN congratulates SIGMA Research, the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine and the NAHIP Partner agencies for putting together the most detailed and exclusive report on an under-researched area of social psychological concern amongst African communities in the UK. The realities faced by sero-discordant couples are multifaceted and require a multidisciplinary approach that will ensure that couples are always aware of their rights as they interact with services.
The AHPN programmes manager, Jabulani Chwaula says,
“The Plus one research clearly points to where we should prioritise intense long term and sustainable interventions given the sadly limited resources available to minimise the onward transmission and acquisition of HIV. The research also clearly shows that HIV prevention is not just about one off interventions, but requires looking after the needs of people and communities experiencing inequalities in accessing appropriate tailored services.”
The concerns arising after this study are around the confidence value to the follow on care and support on offer to enable couples maintain relationships that fulfil their needs without overdependence on their social workers. The services should be a place where they feel that their confidentiality is maintained and have outcomes that lead to a thriving relationship and social interaction in an integrated community.
“It is through carrying out qualitative and narrative research like this that we request policy makers, government and service providers to better address the needs of vulnerable couples in complex relationships that have already embraced the benefits of positive prevention of HIV. Continued interaction with the AHPN in this process would enable the set up of multi-sero discordant couple counselling and workshops with experts that already understand the complex realities of these relationships,” says Francis Kaikumba, CEO at the AHPN.
AHPN continues to develop policy recommendations based on the lived experience of couples affected by HIV that will have better health and well being impacts on their lives and the people they support. The initiatives AHPN is involved in motivate people to test regularly for HIV and take the best decisions around management of their health to achieve their potential.
Notes:
- Listen to Adam Bourne from London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine speak about the findings from Plus One.
- The plus one study was developed as part of the evaluation and development programme for NAHIP. Learn more
- Ffena is a network of people living with and affected by HIV supported by the AHPN. Learn more
- For further information email news@ahpn.org.