Tackling AIDS among men who have sex with men
In 85 countries of the world, it is illegal for men to have sex with other men. Male-male sexual relationships are stigmatised, driving men to hide their activities from friends, family members, and health workers, according to a recent report by the International Lesbian and Gay Association. Because these men are forced to live part of their lives underground, they often lack access to basic services, and, as a result, are at increased risk of HIV/AIDS.
Men who have sex with men are among the most vulnerable populations to HIV transmission worldwide, and yet they continue to be one of the most under-served. Today, fewer than one in 20 MSM has access to basic HIV education, prevention services, or care.
Studies in Uruguay and Ukraine have shown prevalence among MSM to be between 20 and 30 percent; in Kenya, the number is a staggering 38 percent. These statistics are comparable to the parts of sub-Saharan Africa with the highest rates of HIV infection.
We have learned many lessons in the fight against AIDS in the West, where the gay community was among the first to be severely affected by the disease. Responding to the epidemic in the early 1980s, grassroots gay organisations arose to combat homophobia and fight for increased funding for AIDS research and social services.
Grassroots organisations work because they understand the obstacles facing the communities they serve. Today’s challenge is how to learn from our past successes to support burgeoning grassroots movements in Asia, Africa, Latin America, and Eastern Europe.
In response to this challenge, amfAR, The Foundation for AIDS Research, is launching a new initiative this week that will provide seed grants to grassroots organisations doing innovative work with MSM groups on the ground in the developing world.
These grants will be designed to fight stigma and discrimination, provide AIDS education, fund prevention efforts, treatment and care, and generate visibility and resources for these groups. For too long, squeamish and homophobic governments have failed to provide even the basic tools for MSM to protect themselves from HIV. We must have the courage to stand side by side with the grassroots organisations on the front lines of this epidemic, delivering services and demanding greater action from governments and the global institutions charged with protecting vulnerable populations from HIV.
Kevin Frost is the interim CEO and Vice-President for Global Initiatives of amfAR, the Foundation for AIDS Research. Dr Chris Beyrer is the Director of the Center for Public Health and Human Rights at Johns Hopkins University.
