Migrant labour, sexual networking and multi-partnered sex in Malawi

Abstract

This paper shows the possible connections between migrant labour, multi-partnered sexual activity, sexual networking and the spread of AIDS in Malawi. It focuses on the economic, social, cultural and mobility factors, and their effect on the spread of the disease. Migrant labourers, like truck drivers, itinerant traders, and prostitutes, are a high-risk group both at the place of their work, and especially in their areas of origin. The paper also looks at the difficulties of research on HIV and AIDS among the returned migrants. The sensitivity of the topic, and the political nature in which it is often understood in Malawi, are factors that limit its objective and effective analysis. Another limiting factor is the consideration of human rights issues when interviewing actual or potential HIV patients. The information on which the paper is based comes mostly from field interviews with returned Malawian migrant mine workers to South Africa.