Introduction. Sexual networking, knowledge, and risk: contextual social research for confronting AIDS and STDs in eastern and southern Africa.

The Workshop on Multipartnered Sexuality and Sexual Networking in Southern and Eastern Africa transpired at the University of Natal, Durban, South Africa, during February 7-8, 1997. 22 young researchers involved in behavioral and cultural studies related to the spread of HIV/AIDS from 9 countries in the region met to assess the current state of research upon multipartnered sexuality and sexual networking in the region; discuss the significance of regional dynamics of multipartnered sexuality and sexual networking in relation to HIV/AIDS, sexual and reproductive health, fertility, and gender; and consider how to coordinate a regional program of research and support for junior African scholars working on such topics. Conference organizers noted that an inadequate amount of social research is being conducted upon AIDS in Africa, while workshop participants created SafeSexNet, a facilitating body designed to maintain open communication among regional scholars conducting behavioral and cultural studies on sexuality and risk in the context of AIDS.