Multiple and Concurrent Sexual Partnerships in Namibia: A Target Audience Research Report

This 34-page report documents a study, conducted by the Desert Soul Project in Namibia, that aimed to inform effective communication interventions around multiple concurrent partnerships (MCP). The research covered numerous topics, including the types of relationships people engage in, reasons for involvement in multiple concurrent partnerships (MCP), reactions to unfaithfulness, communication (or lack thereof) between sexual partners, the role of migration in MCP, and perceived health risks associated with multiple partnerships. According to the study, participants identified many reasons for engaging in MCP, and showed awareness of MCP as high risk for different diseases, particularly HIV. However, male participants also remarked that one cannot stop men from having other partners, and women also admitted to engaging in MCP.

Both male and female participants mentioned that couples should communicate about sexual issues. This was despite the fact that in black cultures people seldom talk about sex and despite the fact that female respondents expressed concern that it was difficult to discuss sexual issues as they were afraid of abuse from their male partners. The research also found that people do not trust their partners to be faithful when they move to another town or village, and some said they would rather take another partner. However, participants also indicated that communication is important to keep long-distance relationships alive.

The report concludes that it is evident that people are aware that having multiple sexual partners puts them at risk of contracting HIV. However, despite their awareness of the health risks involved in engaging in multiple relationships, it seems that they have become accustomed to the notion of having several partners at the same time. Although many would like the situation to be different, it seems that social circumstances such as gender inequity and cultural norms and practices pose a serious challenge to the reduction of MCP in an attempt to curb the spread of HIV.