Father's

Being Papa's Day, I wanted to post this encouraging article.


It shares the story of a family in which both parents are HIV positive, and through their dedication to treatment and their mutual support of each other, they have three children who are HIV free.

In a study conducted between 1999 and 2005, services that promoted male partner involvement in the prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV reduced the risks of conveyance by 40 percent when compared to no involvement from male partners.

When men are tested alongside their pregnant partners, it reduces stigma of the virus and strengthens male understanding of the child-bearing process. If fathers are in-the-know regarding early HIV treatment, their female partners are more likely to stay committed to a healthy pregnancy.  

           article by Robby Coach


Reducing stigma is one of the blocks to adequate treatment of HIV. 
Since women are more likely to be tested because it is part of prenatal care, they are often the visible or known recipient of the diagnosis.  Men have less incentive to be tested, and thus much of the stigma of being HIV positive falls upon women.  In some communities, women are shamed if they ask their husband or partner to be tested.  


Kudos to this dad for doing what should be done for every woman who receives this diagnosis.  He acknowledges his status, and they comply with treatment for the better health of each other and their family.