Why has HIV/AIDS spread more rapidly in Africa than anywhere else in the world? A new book by Helen Epstein suggests that concurrent sexual relationships -- adults who have long-term sexual relationships with more than one individual at a time -- has been the primary driver of Africa's AIDS epidemic. CGD senior fellow Mead Over discusses this and another view that the disease's spread is due to the prevalence of multiple infections, behavioral differences resulting from lower life expectancy, and export patterns. He says HIV prevention programs need to spread the message that sex is risky not only with sex workers and casual partners, but also with regular long-term partners who might have other partners.
