Disclosure of Hiv status to sexual partners among people who ...

I thought he would probably blame me or hurt me or even kill me but I still knew
that I had to tell him. Instead, my husband kept quiet when he learnt about my
sero status. [Female, 35 years, married]
Some clients who access PMTCT services when they go for antenatal visits often find it a
challenge to disclose to their partners. One such participant narrated her fear about what
she thought would be her partner’s reaction
I expected my husband to quarrel after I had disclosed. However, he just
expressed his concern about the unborn baby. I told him about the PMTCT
education I had received at the clinic and the possibility of having an HIV free
baby. He offered to support me.
[Female, 29 years, married]
A few of the participants had prior discussion about testing with their spouses. Although
most of them were encouraged to go for the test, one partner warned the husband not to
disclose to her if he tested positive.
Before I tested, my first wife had warned me never to disclose my status to her if I
happened to have positive results When I disclosed,, she did not listen to me but
rather packed her things and left me. I therefore chose not to tell my second wife
after the first one’s reaction.
[Male, 40 years, polygamous relationship]
Another participant who had been suffering from tuberculosis for a while decided to take
an HIV test. When he found out that he was HIV positive, he expected his wife to
abandon him.
I thought my wife had had enough trouble looking after me and would now leave
me. I did not want to burden her any longer. However she was very supportive, I
received counselling and treatment and my health started improving
[Male, 41 years, married]
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