Migrant laborers, spouses and the spread of HIV/AIDS in rural Mozambique

Southern Mozambique is under immense pressure due to increase of HIV infection. While men migrate in search for household income women left behind are still tied by patriarchy norms with a little evidence of the impact of condom use. The article is based on data collected from a study funded by NIH/NIACD of US about "Men´s HIV risk in Gaza province of Mozambique". The study resulted from a combination of quantitative methods and in depth interviews of laborers migrant´s wives. Yet the underlying dynamics of the relationships between the laborer migrants and their spouses/partners have geared to permanent risks on HIV infection as in many cases both partners have "ignored" condom use. This paper aims to provide information on vulnerability to HIV infection of rural families in the context of males´ migration and the extent do wives prevent HIV within a patriarchy society. Are families willing to die silently?