S06.4 New Directions in HIV Partner Services: An Evolving Model of Global, Integrated Field Services

Abstract

Partner services are a longstanding component of public health efforts to control sexually transmitted infections (STI). However, they have not been a consistent part of HIV prevention efforts either in high-or lower-income nations. In many areas, partner services for HIV and other STIs have been administratively separated, and the goals of partner services have usually been narrowly conceived to concentrate exclusively on the diagnosis and treatment of sex partners. This is now beginning to change. New evidence suggests that HIV PS in high income nations may be less effective at finding new cases of HIV than previously believed, but could play an important role in linkage to care. In sub-Saharan Africa, HIV PS appears to be highly acceptable and effective. This session will focus on new opportunities in the area of HIV PS. The speaker will review the following issues: (1) data supporting the efficacy of HIV partner services as an HIV case-finding tool in both in high and low-income nations; (2) cost and cost-effectiveness data on HIV PS; (3) evidence that PS for bacterial STIs can been used to promote HIV case-finding and engagement in care among persons with previously diagnosed HIV infection; and (4) outstanding research questions related to HIV PS.