New Couples-Based HIV Intervention Aims to Boost Health Outcomes in Malawi

A new couples-based HIV intervention called Timasamalirana in Malawi demonstrates improvements in HIV treatment adherence and viral suppression for couples. Developed by researchers at the UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health, it promotes shared understanding of HIV status and fosters support between partners. The initiative aims to enhance health outcomes for the 1.2 million women living with HIV who become pregnant yearly in sub-Saharan Africa.

In sub-Saharan Africa, access to HIV treatment during pregnancy and breastfeeding has dramatically improved, yet challenges remain. Pregnant women and their male partners living with HIV often fall short of the recommended goals for HIV testing and treatment adherence. Hence, a rising concern in this region, where reliable health outcomes are paramount, prompted researchers at the UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health to take action.

Led by Dr. Nora Rosenberg, the team developed a couples-based HIV program called Timasamalirana in Malawi. This innovative approach, presented in a recent publication in the Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome, brings couples together for joint HIV treatment counseling. Focused on a pregnant woman living with HIV and her male partner, the initiative aims to facilitate discussions about their health statuses while fostering mutual support for HIV prevention and treatment strategies.

The results of the Timasamalirana intervention are promising. The couples-based model has been linked to notable improvements in HIV health outcomes—ranging from a higher rate of male partner diagnoses to successful viral suppression among both individuals involved. Such findings underscore the significance of couple-based approaches to healthcare over traditional individualized care models.

Dr. Rosenberg emphasizes the core message: “A couple learning their HIV status together is more valuable than each individual learning their HIV status separately.” This collaborative learning experience enhances medication adherence, thereby reducing viral loads. The implications of this are critical: not only does this improve the health of the individuals living with HIV, but it also safeguards infants from transmission and reduces the risk to sexual partners.

Rosenberg’s team highlights the far-reaching consequences of their work, mentioning that through this single intervention, they effectively deliver multiple health benefits—hence, “three for the price of one.” This study holds importance for the 1.2 million women living with HIV who become pregnant each year in sub-Saharan Africa, along with their partners.

At the close of 2024, Rosenberg and her colleagues presented their findings at various World Health Organization gatherings. These forums helped kickstart the development of a toolkit aimed at assisting governmental agencies and implementing partners to adopt effective couples-based strategies. Their vision extends towards empowering African Ministries of Health and NGOs to broaden the reach of this intervention.

In summary, the Timasamalirana program effectively addresses low rates of HIV testing, treatment adherence, and viral suppression among couples in Malawi. By fostering shared knowledge and support, this intervention shows potential to significantly improve health outcomes for HIV-positive women and their partners in sub-Saharan Africa. The strategic dissemination of their findings seeks to empower further adoption of successful couple-based healthcare interventions across the region. Currently, the initiative aims to transform HIV care dynamics while significantly reducing transmission risks, underscoring the need for innovative approaches in public health.

Original Source: sph.unc.edu