Getting to Zero: Safer Conception Programming Among HIV Sero-different Couples in Uganda

Despite effective strategies to reduce periconception HIV transmission, there are few services to support people living with or affected by HIV to use these methods. In particular, there is a lack of safer conception services focused on engaging men living with HIV. Given known gender inequities in childbearing decision-making and HIV risk, it is critical that safer conception services deliver programming that engages men living with HIV and their HIV sero-different partners. The Healthy Families program, based at the ISS Clinic at Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital, offers client-centered safer conception care to help HIV-affected individuals and couples meet reproductive goals. This care supports clients to leverage personal motivations and partner and social supports to overcome structural barriers and use Antiretroviral Therapy (ART), adopt other HIV-prevention strategies, and remain in care. This pilot study (the 'Getting to Zero' study) will assess uptake and experiences of safer conception care among 50 men living with HIV and their HIV sero-different partners. Investigators will also assess men's retention in HIV care and HIV transmission risk to partners and infants. This is a one-year mixed-methods prospective pilot research study, which will use electronic chart review data, longitudinal survey data (from the male index and female partner participant), and qualitative data from in-depth semi-structured interviews to meet study objectives. By demonstrating safer conception uptake and impact on HIV transmission risks to partners and infants, investigators aim to inform HIV and reproductive health policy in Uganda and globally.