MCP Explained

A Multiple Concurrent Partner (MCP) means that a man or woman has more than one sexual partner at the same time and the partners overlap for weeks, months or years.

MCP is a common practice in sub-Saharan Africa. And evidence has shown over the years that MCP is one of the primary factors in the spread of HIV in sub-Saharan Africa.

How MCP increases the risk of HIV infection

When we have more than one sexual partner in the same time period, we become part of a sexual network.

If someone in our sexual network becomes infected with HIV, it increases the chances that we can become infected. It also increases the chances of  us infecting everyone else who is part of our sexual network.

Look at the sex network below.  Can you tell how many people could get HIV?

sex-network1

Here’s the situation:

1. Thabang has two sexual partners. He does not always use condoms. He could get HIV from any one of his partners. His wife trusts him. When they have sex, they do not use condoms.

Do you think that Thabang’s wife knows that she could get HIV from her husband? Why?

2. Mathapelo has more than one sexual partner. She uses condoms with her partners, but she doesn’t use condoms with her husband.

Is Mathapelo still at risk? Why? Why not?

[The image of the sexual network is  from Men, Women & HIV and AIDS, a 40-page booklet published by Phela Health and Development Communication.]

You can download a PDF copy of Men, Women & HIV and AIDS from this web site.

Take this quiz to find out if your sex life is putting you and your loved ones at risk of HIV. Answer each question with a Yes or No. Then check out the results. You may be in for a bit of a surprise!


You have more than one sexual partner at the same time.



You started a new sexual relationship before your last one ended.



You think that your sexual partner has another sexual partner.



Your husband has a second house with another woman who he has sexual relations with.



Your culture forbids you to question your man when he comes home – even though you suspect he might have other sexual partners...



Your culture allows you to sleep with your cousin even though she is already married to someone else.



You and your husband don’t talk about sex. You have a lover who understands what you want in bed.



You are unemployed and have sexual partners who in turn support you financially. You don’t know if they have other partners or not.



You have one sexual partner at a time. You think he/she is faithful to you, but you are not sure. You used condoms before but stopped when you got used to each other....



You have a “steady” sexual relationship with someone you care about and another partner for variety.





You can also join the conversation in our Facebook discussion board to share your views about sexual networks and how to live a healthier life.

Remember: Having multiple concurrent relationships puts you and your loved ones at risk of getting infected with HIV.