Networks and Epidemics: Explaining Disparities in the Spread of HIV

For HIV and other sexually transmitted or blood-borne infections, the potential for epidemic spread depends on the connectivity of the underlying partnership network. We demonstrate this with an examination of the differences between the Thai and Ugandan HIV epidemics, and the racial disparities in HIV and other STI in the US. The results highlight the importance of concurrent partnerships for generalized epidemics, and suggests small changes in behavior may bring HIV transmission below the reproductive threshold in the countries of Southern Africa.