If the partner of an HIV-positive patient is HIV-negative, preventing HIV transmission from the infected patient to the uninfected partner becomes an important component of care. Disclosure of HIV status to one’s sexual partner(s) and children is encouraged and facilitated through counseling. However, issues of privacy, stigma, discrimination, and violence associated with HIV disclosure must be respected if the HIV-positive person chooses not to disclose his or her status.²⁰ Condoms should be promoted and provided free of charge, as their correct and consistent use during sexual intercourse decreases the risk of transmitting HIV to the uninfected partner by up to 96 percent as well as providing protection against other STIs and unplanned pregnancies.²¹ If couples are not consistently using condoms, they should be advised against having sex during menses or in the presence of active STIs. HIV-negative partners should receive routine checkups, including counseling and HIV testing as well as screening and treatment for STIs, every six months.²²

The infected person’s viral load and CD4 count influence the likelihood of transmission between discordant partners.^23–29 Therefore, starting the HIV-positive partner on ART as soon as clinically indicated may significantly decrease the risk of infecting the HIV-negative partner.