Identify Index Client
Start with a person who has a confirmed HIV diagnosis and is eligible for partner services.
MARPI PROGRAMMES
Index Testing & Assisted Partner Notification
Voluntary, confidential partner services with safety at the centre.
MARPI uses assisted partner notification as one of its differentiated HIV testing approaches to help eligible index clients safely identify partners who may benefit from HIV testing, prevention or treatment services.
Partner services must be voluntary and client-centred. Safety, confidentiality and the possibility of violence or harm should be considered before notification or contact.
VoluntaryParticipationPartner services are offered, not forced
SafetyFirstAssess risk before notification
ConfidentialApproachProtect client and partner information
LinkedTo CareTesting connects to ART or prevention
WHAT THE PROGRAMME DOES
How MARPI turns the programme into practical services.
MARPI combines community relationships, health-facility systems, differentiated service delivery and routine data so programmes do not stop at mobilisation—they connect people to prevention, treatment, referral and follow-up.
- Identify eligible index clients according to testing guidance
- Explain APN and obtain informed, voluntary participation
- Assess safety and potential GBV or other harm
- Elicit partner/contact information without coercion
- Use an appropriate notification/referral approach
- Offer HIV testing and link results to ART, PrEP or other prevention services
IMPLEMENTATION MODEL
How MARPI Implements This Programme
The programme is organised as a connected pathway from understanding community need to delivering services, following up clients and using data for improvement.
Offer & Counsel
Explain APN, confidentiality, choices and the purpose of reaching partners.
Screen for Safety
Assess whether partner notification could create violence, coercion or other harm.
Elicit Contacts
With consent, identify partners who may benefit from HIV testing.
Support Notification
Use a safe, agreed notification or referral approach without unnecessary disclosure.
Test & Link
Offer HIV testing and connect partners to ART or prevention according to confirmed results.
Safety and GBV considerations are part of partner services
APN should not expose a client or partner to violence, coercion, retaliation or unnecessary disclosure. The service flow therefore includes safety assessment, confidentiality, voluntary participation and an alternative approach when notification is unsafe.
CORE COMPONENTS
What Happens in Practice
These are the main operational components clients, communities and partners are likely to see during implementation.
Client Choice
The index client should understand and choose whether to participate.
Partner Referral
Partners are encouraged to access testing through an appropriate and safe pathway.
Do-No-Harm
If notification could create serious safety risk, providers should use a safer alternative or stop the process.
Testing
Partners who present receive HIV testing according to approved algorithms.
Prevention Linkage
HIV-negative partners can be linked to PrEP and combination prevention when appropriate.
Treatment Linkage
Partners with confirmed HIV can be linked promptly to ART and ongoing care.
CONNECTED PROGRAMMES
Explore the MARPI Programme Model
MARPI programmes are designed to reinforce each other rather than work as separate silos.
Programme information is summarised from MARPI's Strategic Plan 2021–2025, the 2025 Annual Report and current MARPI service architecture.
Need a service or want to connect with a programme?
Use Care Connect for services, or contact MARPI to reach a DIC, programme team or referral point.