HIV infections among couples on the rise

[Guest guest]

HIV infections among couples on the rise

Published on 19/11/2008

By Lucianne Limo

Marriage is no longer a safe haven. Latest statistics show in one out

of ten married couples, at least a partner is HIV positive.

The Kenya Aids Indicatory Survey 2007 says among married people

living with HIV, 45 per cent have a partner who is uninfected.

Research indicates that new infections occur within marriage or in

cohabiting relationships.

Two in three Kenyans aged between 15 and 64 are either married or

cohabiting.

Path Finder International Co-ordinator Pamela Onduso said on

Wednesday: " In the past, new infections were among the youth, but we

have belatedly learnt that being married is also a risk factor. "

She said two thirds of HIV couples are sero-discordant, meaning one

partner is HIV-positive, but the other is negative.

The phenomenon is not unique to Kenya. In Rwanda and Zambia, it is

estimated that more than half of new infections occur in marriage or

in cohabiting relationships.

Ms Onduso was speaking during the launch of a film The silent

partner: HIV in Marriage, at the Hilton Hotel, Nairobi.

The 12-minute documentary aims at raising awareness of the risk of

HIV transmission within marriage and particularly the challenges

facing married women.

Women face a higher infection rate than men due to behavioural and

social factors that increases their vulnerability. The Centre for the

Study of Adolescence Director Rosemary Muganda-Onyando blamed the

rise of HIV infection among married couple to extra-marital

relationships.

" Extra-marital sex is common with men more likely to have more sexual

partners than women, " she said.

In Kenya, 11 per cent of married men reported to having an extra-

marital partner last year compared to two per cent only among women.

Onyando also said violence within marriage played a significant role

in the spread of HIV.

http://www.eastandard.net/news/InsidePage.php?id=1143999719 & cid=159 &

[Guest guest]

HIV infections among couples on the rise

Published on 19/11/2008

By Lucianne Limo

Marriage is no longer a safe haven. Latest statistics show in one out

of ten married couples, at least a partner is HIV positive.

The Kenya Aids Indicatory Survey 2007 says among married people

living with HIV, 45 per cent have a partner who is uninfected.

Research indicates that new infections occur within marriage or in

cohabiting relationships.

Two in three Kenyans aged between 15 and 64 are either married or

cohabiting.

Path Finder International Co-ordinator Pamela Onduso said on

Wednesday: " In the past, new infections were among the youth, but we

have belatedly learnt that being married is also a risk factor. "

She said two thirds of HIV couples are sero-discordant, meaning one

partner is HIV-positive, but the other is negative.

The phenomenon is not unique to Kenya. In Rwanda and Zambia, it is

estimated that more than half of new infections occur in marriage or

in cohabiting relationships.

Ms Onduso was speaking during the launch of a film The silent

partner: HIV in Marriage, at the Hilton Hotel, Nairobi.

The 12-minute documentary aims at raising awareness of the risk of

HIV transmission within marriage and particularly the challenges

facing married women.

Women face a higher infection rate than men due to behavioural and

social factors that increases their vulnerability. The Centre for the

Study of Adolescence Director Rosemary Muganda-Onyando blamed the

rise of HIV infection among married couple to extra-marital

relationships.

" Extra-marital sex is common with men more likely to have more sexual

partners than women, " she said.

In Kenya, 11 per cent of married men reported to having an extra-

marital partner last year compared to two per cent only among women.

Onyando also said violence within marriage played a significant role

in the spread of HIV.

http://www.eastandard.net/news/InsidePage.php?id=1143999719 & cid=159 &