Couples-Based HIV Intervention Piloted in Malawi Shows Positive Outcomes
A new couples-based HIV intervention in Malawi has shown improvements in treatment adherence and viral suppression among pregnant women and their partners. Developed by researchers from UNC Gillings, the program emphasizes shared counseling and support, which has led to significant health benefits. Key findings were shared with WHO stakeholders to promote broader adoption.
In an effort to enhance HIV health outcomes in Malawi, researchers at the UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health led by Dr. Nora Rosenberg have crafted a couples-based intervention. This initiative addresses ongoing issues despite widespread access to antiretroviral therapy during pregnancy and breastfeeding in sub-Saharan Africa. The study focuses on improving HIV testing, treatment retention, and viral suppression among expectant mothers and their partners.
The couples-based program, named Timasamalirana, encourages both partners to undergo HIV treatment counseling together. It typically involves a pregnant woman living with HIV and her male partner, often her husband. This approach allows them to learn about each other’s HIV status, understand its implications for their family, and discuss support strategies focusing on essential HIV prevention behaviors.
Results from this intervention demonstrate significant improvement in various HIV outcomes, including the male partners’ diagnosis and both partners achieving viral suppression. This suggests that couple-centric care might hold greater efficacy than individualized treatment. “A couple learning their HIV status together is more valuable than each individual learning their HIV status separately.” – Dr. Rosenberg.
By promoting adherence to HIV medication, the intervention also aims to reduce HIV levels in participants’ bodies, which yields three key outcomes: improving the health of the individual, preventing the transmission of HIV to infants, and minimizing the risk to sexual partners. Dr. Rosenberg notes, “Essentially, you can think of this single intervention as three for the price of one.”
The findings are particularly significant, considering that around 1.2 million women with HIV in sub-Saharan Africa become pregnant annually. Rosenberg and her team presented these results in late 2024 at meetings organized by the World Health Organization, leading to the development of a toolkit designed to assist government entities and partners in employing similar methods. Their overarching aim is to aid African Ministries of Health and NGOs in scaling up this vital program.
The couples-based intervention by UNC Gillings has shown promising results in improving health outcomes for HIV patients in Malawi. By fostering mutual support and shared knowledge, both partners in a relationship can achieve better health results. If successful, this approach could be a game changer for HIV treatment in sub-Saharan Africa, impacting millions of lives positively in the years to come.
Original Source: sph.unc.edu
