Heather Little-White, PhD,
You have been dating steadily for 15 months and you realise that your partner's physical condition is changing. There are signs of fatigue, a persistent dry cough and weight loss and obviously you are concerned. You encourage your partner to visit the doctor but he/she is reluctant. The condition exacerbates and your partner is resisting all suggestions to visit the doctor.
You are frustrated and as you seek counsel, you are advised to go the doctor together for a general check-up. Reluctantly, your partner agrees and your doctor orders routine bloodwork for both of you. Your worst fears are confirmed that your partner is HIV positive. Luckily, your results are negative. What follows with you and your partner is denial, blaming and some rebellion at taking prescribed strategies for dealing with the infection.
Detecting symptoms
This scenario could happen in your relationship with your partner being HIV-positive, possibly coming to the relationship with the infection or contracting it during the course of the relationship if there was infidelity. You have to be aware of how the disease is contracted and you should also be able to identify symptoms of HIV/AIDS although in some infected persons, the T-cells decline and opportunistic infections that signal AIDS develop soon after initial infection with HIV. There is the possibility that some people with HIV may not show any symptoms for 10-12 years.
Questions
Several questions run through your mind:
Do you stay or leave?
How much are you in love with your partner to decide to stay, despite what others may say?
What about unprotected sex if pregnancy is desired?
What are the implications for having a baby?
What precautions can you take if you decide to stay together?
Does HIV-positive status mean a permanent death sentence for your partner?
Are you willing to learn more about HIV/AIDS to help your partner, even if you are not intimately involved?
What is HIV/AIDS?
HIV is the human immunodeficiency virus that causes AIDS. A member of a group of viruses called retroviruses, HIV infects human cells and uses the energy and nutrients provided by those cells to grow and reproduce. AIDS (acquired immune deficiency syndrome) is a disease which breaks down the body's immune system, making it unable to fight off certain infections, known as 'opportunistic infections,' and other illnesses that take advantage of a weakened immune system (www.thebody.com).
Intimate relationships are shaky when one person has AIDS or is HIV-positive. It is not unusual to feel confused and uncertain about future sexual relationships when diagnosed with HIV. If you love and care for your partner, though, you may find it difficult to end the relationship. Instead, you should find strategies to help you cope with someone living with the diseases who may be debilitated and facing death, especially in the prime years of their life.
Symptoms of HIV
One of the first steps is to be able to identify the symptoms of HIV/AIDS. The symptoms of HIV infection include:
Rapid weight loss
Dry cough
Recurring fever or profuse sweating at nights
Profound and unexplained fatigue
Swollen lymph glands in the armpits, groin or neck
Diarrhoea that lasts for more than a week
White spots or unusual blemishes on the tongue, in the mouth or in the throat
Pneumonia
Red, brown, pink or purplish blotches on or under the skin or inside the mouth, nose or eyelids
Memory loss, depression and other neurological disorders
Symptoms of AIDS
As the infection progresses, it will develop into AIDS with symptoms such as:
A simple boil or wart over the body
A thick, white coating (thrush) infecting the mouth
Shingles (a painful skin rash)
Herpes
Excessive tiredness
High temperatures and excessive sweating
Loss in body weight
Other infections
Persistent diarrhoea
Safer sex
Having HIV or AIDS does not mean that people cannot engage in sex. What is important is that couples must practise safer sex at all times to slow the HIV epidemic, preventing those who are uninfected from becoming infected. If you are HIV-positive, you need to practise safer sex by using latex condoms every time you have sex to prevent infection, reinfection and to stay healthy. In addition to preventing HIV reinfection, condom use is also important in preventing the transmission of other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as syphilis, gonorrhoea and chlamydia. Some of these STIs can actually increase the risk of HIV infection and complicate the treatment of HIV.
Critically, sexual contact between two HIV-infected persons also requires the use of a condom. There are different strains of HIV which can be passed between two HIV-positive individuals. This is HIV reinfection, which makes treatment of the infection even more difficult.
Treatments for HIV/AIDS
While there is no cure for AIDS, today HIV patients take a combination of a number of drugs to treat HIV infection and AIDS. They usually take several drugs in combination in a regimen known as highly active antiretroviral therapy. When successful, combination or cocktail therapy can reduce the level of HIV in the bloodstream, even undetectable levels, and sometimes enable the body's CD4 immune cells to rebound to normal levels, especially if the infection is caught early. Some of these drugs are designed to treat the opportunistic infections and illnesses that affect people with HIV/AIDS. In addition, several types of drugs seek to prevent HIV from reproducing and destroying the body's immune system (www.hivsymptomsonline.com)
Testing for HIV
Divorce is increasing because of financial issues and infidelity. Even in marriage, it may be necessary to get tested for HIV. If you want to get tested and your partner resists, you should only engage in safe sex. This should not prevent you from getting tested. The confidence level of your relationship increases when you both get tested together as it means that neither of you have anything to worry about. United States President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama proudly declared on public media that they were both tested for HIV/AIDS, so other married couples are encouraged to do the same (cbs2chicago.com/topstories).
HIV is a sexually transmitted infection so it is not surprising that having HIV has a direct impact on sex in a relationship. It is important to remember that being HIV-positive does not need to define who you are and it is still possible to have a rewarding sexual relationships with understanding partners.
Send feedback/questions to: heatherl@cwjamica.com
Sunday, December 5, 2010
Saturday, December 4, 2010
And the machinery .....
J-FLAG's recent Statement
J-FLAG SADDENED BY UNTIMELY PASSING OF COMMUNITY MEMBER
December 5, 2010 by editor
J-FLAG is saddened by the murder of a member of the Lesbian, Gay, Bi-sexual and Transgender (LGBT) Community whose body was found with stab wounds behind the National Solid Life and General Insurance Branch Limited on Half-Way-Tree Road in St Andrew on Friday, November 3, 2010.
This unfortunate event highlights the serious safety and security challenge that confronts the LGBT community in Jamaica, as well as those who engage in sex work. While the reason behind his death is not yet known, allegations are that his life had been under threat for some time. J-FLAG condemns the rampant breach of rights meted out to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) Jamaicans, who are often denied their human rights to life, privacy, respect and dignity because of stigma, discrimination and violence.
We urge the security forces to thoroughly investigate this case so that justice is served. We encourage the Jamaican parliament to demonstrate leadership and publicly condemn violence against all people regardless of their sexual orientation. J-FLAG also encourages Parliamentarians to promote the respect of gay Jamaicans as we work towards making Jamaica the place of choice to live, work, raise families and do business.
(ENDS)
We are indeed saddened by this awful crime committed and condolences to his family and friends of the deceased even if they do not see this post we hope the sentiments will be passed on to them eventually but the J maybe partially at fault for this I fear and needs to wake up in real terms. Press releases in my view reflect in glaring terms the culture, mindset and inner workings of an organization, so we must learn from this folks. Concerns please!
also take the time to track some of the previous issues on homelessness from this BLOG
and from GLBTQ Jamaica to have some understanding as to why the urgent calls for interventions for displaced GLBTQI Jamaicans.
Yadda yadda yadda so the well oiled press release machinery goes into motion again a matter brought to my attention by some of you my avid readers which is not surprising, interestingly the comments section of the website that carries this release is closed so much for forumatic activity and engaging the community and allowing of venting from readers and supporters and even detractors isn't Forum in the acronym? JFLAG you need to do better than that. This elitist crap needs to go and begin to lead from in front not play step n fetch it with nice public relations and a pretty website using the right descriptions, real lives are in danger here!!!!! you have to talk the community and let them talk back.
Yes some of the concerns are valid in terms of legislation and the recognition of persons rights under the law as equal which is good, a message reiterated several times over and rightly so which should continue to be pressed for but the J missed the boat when it comes to really engaging the on the ground matters and association and recognition of itself as the group on the same level as Charms and others with better access to funds and resources to set up interventions working internally to solve those community issues as well.
"Oh lord here I go again on homelessness"Then there is the matter of the hypocrisy of it all, the very office space that JFLAG now occupies was a half way house of sorts known as the "Safe House Project" which was a pilot project designed by a former Executive Director of the parent NGO of JFLAG which is Jamaica AIDS Support (for Life), she eventually found herself at logger heads with the board of JASL and resigned on January 25, 2010, if the interest was really there ought to have provided some distraction or activities for persons such as Charms who was murdered as we all know in carrying out her version of commercial sex work, the half way house and shelter JFLAG stood and watch close before its very eyes and did and said almost next to nothing to prevent it or at best reach out to the population that occupied the space afterwards. But instead they the mostly homeless MSMs were to be extricated to the streets because they were trouble makers deemed unworthy of any holy benefits as the J were their betters. So much for independence as the incestuous nature of the whole thing stinks to high heaven. Any self respecting non aligned advocacy voice would have spoken out and continue to speak for the real folks who are the fronline of abuse in this country not the far removed advocates who only get around to things through one or two embattled crisis personnel using the press release factory to look good. The on the ground staff themselves would love to be able to do more but can't. Talk about advocacy?
Let us also not forget that many of the homeless persons were displaced from western Jamaica from a private gay party DVD that went public and was sold on the streets which outed many of the men.
Why not give the proper details of the story to bring home the points far better on homophobia, transphobia and homo-negativity and talk about the way in which the public also dealt with the issue, the jeering and negative remarks by onlookers, the alleged homophobic comments by a few officers present on the scene? it was the talk on the bus this morning as I made my way to the market and we know how colourful Jamaicans can get with issues like this, the repeated battyman fi dead stance was hinted to several times over.
What is going to be done now about the others who walk the streets? commercial sex workers or not which by the way has grown so much now it's frightening and with real trouble makers now joining the fold to lead impressionable younger possible msms or bisexuals who are in the population some as young as their mid teens. The release speaks to no concern for the others or any inter-community planned or ongoing actions on their behalf to begin to solve some of the problems in that section of the GLTBQI populations.
Why does no one want to touch this group and what are we afraid of? we understand the resource issue may be sticky but it is not impossible to develop on ideas that are on paper somewhere filed in a cabinet.
Do we have to wait until someone else is killed again to complain to the "Not in my Cabinet" government? when we know fully well no Jamaican administration this time is going to touch that with a long stick as that is political suicide and they are more in preserving power, remember Jamaica is a homo-negative and homophobic space. Our culture though painstakingly slow is showing very small degrees of tolerance and is not ready in my view to handle the question of full coexistence of GLBTQI people and the mainstream, there are long ways to go.
Low Support
I know I may have low support on this but it must be highlighted, it is just beyond me that we have an organization that willingly shouts to the world it is doing this and that with great ease but the realities say something totally different. While myself and others try to discourage the street walking and at risk behaviours as much as we can often times much to our own dismay as we feel it falls on deaf ears and while we also have to face certain realities the capacity and putting together of interventions one would have expected from such a long standing organization as JFLAG is abysmal. Lest we forget they celebrate 13 years this year on December 10th.
There is a disturbing trend I notice also whenever Jamaica Forum for Lesbians Allsexuals and Gays speak on paper mostly or otherwise it hardly ever refers to the whole community in an equal level or sense, why is that? The insensitivity of the release is just beyond me. Do you notice that not even condolences were extended to his friends and family even if they don't see it, also any cautions rightly directed to the community at large to be vigilant out there were missing. So this deceased is reduced to another victim that oils the press release factory along as a talking point when there is no real human side to caring for persons at the level of a Charms.
Ugh!
Rest in Peace yah Charms!!!
Further reference to get some early background:
What can be done to begin to solve these lives interrupted?
Peace and tolerance.
H
Ten Things You Can Do to Enhance Your Emotional Well-Being for the HIV+ individual
- Build a strong, supportive, trusting relationship with an HIV/AIDS doctor. You should be able to freely discuss everything and anything and, if needed, to challenge your doctor's advice.
- Develop consistent contact with a health care case manager who can help to make the rocky road to benefits and services easier for you. One mold does not fit all, so try to find a case manager that you trust, even if you have to switch to a new one.
- Join an HIV/AIDS support group. Find out if they use an ongoing, drop-in format or if they are time-limited and require pre-enrollment. Also find out about the training and qualifications of the group leaders.
- Get a therapist, preferably a good licensed psychologist or certified social worker. Remember anyone can state they are a "therapist"; request more information about their background and experience. Keep looking until your instincts tell you that you have found a good match.
- Attend workshops or other HIV/AIDS events so that you can find out as much as you can about HIV/AIDS. You must be the expert on this disease and be on top of any new developments and programs.
- Stay informed about your HIV/AIDS medications by seeking out information from any and all sources, including people, Web sites, and periodicals. The more you know about the medication you are taking and its potential side effects, the more you know what to expect about your emotions and mental well-being.
- Address any substance use issues you may have by looking into substance use programs and groups. Consider working towards being clean and sober.
- Exercise regularly and maintain good nutrition because the mind and the body are closely linked, and physical health enhances mental health.
- Work if you can for income but also work for the structure and well being that employment can provide. Everyone can benefit from structure, and we all need to feel we are productive members of this world.
- Seek a sense of belonging outside of HIV/AIDS such as by starting a hobby, traveling and exploring, getting a pet, starting or finishing school, or volunteering. The bottom line is to keep your stress low; keeping your stress low will help you to keep your immune system high.
J. Buzz von Ornsteiner, Ph.D., is a New York State-licensed psychologist and author of the "Psychologically Speaking" column in Body Positive Magazine.
I am always amazed how the fan fare dies down after World AIDS Day passes and we don't see much in the media continuing on the heightened public awareness especially for persons who are HIV positive or who have just been found via the testing methods to be so. Public awareness and social marketing shouldn't just die off like that because the day has passed.
Please highlight and share in some way information and writings about HIV all year round folks not just for WAD.
Peace and tolerance.
H
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Landmark US study on Preexposure Chemoprophylaxis for HIV Prevention (with Tenofovir FTC)
Paul Sax
from Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School
The iPrEx (preexposure prophylaxis) study published in The New England Journal of Medicine. [1] This is the first efficacy study so far of preexposure prophylaxis, and here are the results:
About 2500 high-risk men who have sex with men entered the study and were randomly assigned to receive either coformulated tenofovir FTC [combination emtricitabine (FTC 200 mg) and tenofovir (TDF 300 mg), known by the brand name Truvada®] or a matching placebo. After about a year of median follow-up, the investigators found that there was a 44% reduction in the risk of acquiring HIV. There were 36 infections in the patients receiving tenofovir FTC and there were 64 infections in people receiving placebo. This was highly statistically significant. The effect was even stronger in the patients who were compliant with the therapy.
These are very important results, and now that we have them, what are we going to do with them?[2] One of the first questions is: Who are the providers who are going to make the decisions about prescribing tenofovir FTC in someone who is at high risk of acquiring HIV infection? Will it be primary care providers? Will it be infectious disease specialists? Will it be HIV specialists? It's really not clear because a lot of these providers either don't take care of HIV-negative individuals (in the case of HIV specialists or infectious disease specialists) or they don't provide longitudinal care (such as people who specialize in treatment of sexually transmitted infections).
Another practical question is: If it is decided that people should receive this therapy, should they get it continuously like in the study? Should it be provided intermittently -- which is, anecdotally, how it's being given in the small number of people who have started doing it already even before the study results were released.
Another question is: Will this be covered by insurance plans? I don't know if there is going to be a single answer for that, but I highly suspect that this will not be covered by AIDS drug assistance programs which are already pressed for resources, especially in some states. Those plans are for treatment of individuals with HIV.
Another very important question is: What are the long-term safety issues with prescribing preexposure prophylaxis? Although this study did not demonstrate any significant toxicities -- in particular, no significant renal toxicities -- there was a little bit more nausea in the people who had the active drug. Of course, the burden of proof of safety must be a bit higher when you're using something for prevention rather than using it for actual treatment.
Those are some of the questions brought up by this exciting study.[3] I think iPrEx is really the capper on what has been a very exciting year or so of HIV prevention research. We've had the exciting data on the Thai vaccine study, which, even though not practically applicable, showed us last fall that there was at least a hope for an HIV vaccine. There was the finding from a prospective study that HIV treatment seemed to reduce the risk for transmission by 90%-plus. Then, of course, this summer was the presentation of the CAPRISA [Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa] data demonstrating that women who used tenofovir vaginal microbicide had significant protection from acquiring HIV. Altogether, this is a very fast-moving field and a very exciting one. Stay tuned for more information on HIV prevention studies in the upcoming months. Thanks very much.
References
References
1.Grant RM, Lama JR, Anderson PL, et al, for the iPrEx Study Team. Preexposure chemoprophylaxis for HIV prevention in men who have sex with men. N Engl J Med. 2010 [Epub ahead of print].
2.Michael NL. Oral preexposure prophylaxis for HIV -- another arrow in the quiver? N Engl J Med. 2010 [Epub ahead of print].
3.Sax P. HIV and ID observations. Available at: http://blogs.jwatch.org/hiv-id-observations/ Accessed November 23, 2010.
from Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School
The iPrEx (preexposure prophylaxis) study published in The New England Journal of Medicine. [1] This is the first efficacy study so far of preexposure prophylaxis, and here are the results:
About 2500 high-risk men who have sex with men entered the study and were randomly assigned to receive either coformulated tenofovir FTC [combination emtricitabine (FTC 200 mg) and tenofovir (TDF 300 mg), known by the brand name Truvada®] or a matching placebo. After about a year of median follow-up, the investigators found that there was a 44% reduction in the risk of acquiring HIV. There were 36 infections in the patients receiving tenofovir FTC and there were 64 infections in people receiving placebo. This was highly statistically significant. The effect was even stronger in the patients who were compliant with the therapy.
These are very important results, and now that we have them, what are we going to do with them?[2] One of the first questions is: Who are the providers who are going to make the decisions about prescribing tenofovir FTC in someone who is at high risk of acquiring HIV infection? Will it be primary care providers? Will it be infectious disease specialists? Will it be HIV specialists? It's really not clear because a lot of these providers either don't take care of HIV-negative individuals (in the case of HIV specialists or infectious disease specialists) or they don't provide longitudinal care (such as people who specialize in treatment of sexually transmitted infections).
Another practical question is: If it is decided that people should receive this therapy, should they get it continuously like in the study? Should it be provided intermittently -- which is, anecdotally, how it's being given in the small number of people who have started doing it already even before the study results were released.
Another question is: Will this be covered by insurance plans? I don't know if there is going to be a single answer for that, but I highly suspect that this will not be covered by AIDS drug assistance programs which are already pressed for resources, especially in some states. Those plans are for treatment of individuals with HIV.
Another very important question is: What are the long-term safety issues with prescribing preexposure prophylaxis? Although this study did not demonstrate any significant toxicities -- in particular, no significant renal toxicities -- there was a little bit more nausea in the people who had the active drug. Of course, the burden of proof of safety must be a bit higher when you're using something for prevention rather than using it for actual treatment.
Those are some of the questions brought up by this exciting study.[3] I think iPrEx is really the capper on what has been a very exciting year or so of HIV prevention research. We've had the exciting data on the Thai vaccine study, which, even though not practically applicable, showed us last fall that there was at least a hope for an HIV vaccine. There was the finding from a prospective study that HIV treatment seemed to reduce the risk for transmission by 90%-plus. Then, of course, this summer was the presentation of the CAPRISA [Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa] data demonstrating that women who used tenofovir vaginal microbicide had significant protection from acquiring HIV. Altogether, this is a very fast-moving field and a very exciting one. Stay tuned for more information on HIV prevention studies in the upcoming months. Thanks very much.
References
References
1.Grant RM, Lama JR, Anderson PL, et al, for the iPrEx Study Team. Preexposure chemoprophylaxis for HIV prevention in men who have sex with men. N Engl J Med. 2010 [Epub ahead of print].
2.Michael NL. Oral preexposure prophylaxis for HIV -- another arrow in the quiver? N Engl J Med. 2010 [Epub ahead of print].
3.Sax P. HIV and ID observations. Available at: http://blogs.jwatch.org/hiv-id-observations/ Accessed November 23, 2010.
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
IN THE LIFE Presents: The Cost of Stigma (Video)
Here is another entry from the IN THE LIFE video series normally seen on my other blog GLBTQ Jamaica but I decided to put it here and cross post it later as I have a special post for that blog which will make it a record of 1000 posts. Thanks for sticking and staying with me on all three (plus that xrated one) blogs guys.
This month's video looks at stigma in America and as always draw from it what you can the similarities here in Jamaica bearing in mind that the impression that is created that gays overseas have it easy is not all together true.
The Cost of Stigma
The Cost of Stigma
Stigma is the invisible mark on individuals targeted by fear and misinformation. This month on IN THE LIFE, we look at the power of stigma within our justice system and how the myths and fear that spread with the AIDS epidemic gave rise to laws criminalizing HIV transmission. And we meet researchers who consider stigma as a possible key link between bisexuality and poor health.
Legalizing Stigma (14:56:00)
More than 30 states have laws criminalizing HIV exposure, transmission or nondisclosure of an individual's HIV status. IN THE LIFE looks at the stigma and misinformation embedded in laws meant to curb the spread of the disease and the human cost among those who are HIV positive.
Bisexuality:
This month's video looks at stigma in America and as always draw from it what you can the similarities here in Jamaica bearing in mind that the impression that is created that gays overseas have it easy is not all together true.
The Cost of Stigma
The Cost of Stigma
Stigma is the invisible mark on individuals targeted by fear and misinformation. This month on IN THE LIFE, we look at the power of stigma within our justice system and how the myths and fear that spread with the AIDS epidemic gave rise to laws criminalizing HIV transmission. And we meet researchers who consider stigma as a possible key link between bisexuality and poor health.
Legalizing Stigma (14:56:00)
More than 30 states have laws criminalizing HIV exposure, transmission or nondisclosure of an individual's HIV status. IN THE LIFE looks at the stigma and misinformation embedded in laws meant to curb the spread of the disease and the human cost among those who are HIV positive.
Bisexuality:
The Myths and Medical Truths (08:59:00)
The connection between bisexuality and women's health.
It is estimated that there are 8.8 million gay, lesbian and bisexual people in the United States. Researchers have found that bisexual women fare the worst in health when compared with heterosexuals, gay men and lesbians. The state of Massachusetts has taken the lead in looking at this health disparity, and early indications point to systemic stigma and invisibility among bisexual women as its causes.
It is estimated that there are 8.8 million gay, lesbian and bisexual people in the United States. Researchers have found that bisexual women fare the worst in health when compared with heterosexuals, gay men and lesbians. The state of Massachusetts has taken the lead in looking at this health disparity, and early indications point to systemic stigma and invisibility among bisexual women as its causes.
Tearing Down The Walls Of Stigma
Several years ago, infected persons would not willingly admit to having HIV infection, as the stigma surrounding the disease was high.
But today, while there is still some degree of reservation about publicly declaring the illness, some people feel comfortable discussing the issue.
One such person is Jason Richards, who has been living with HIV/AIDS for the past seven years. He has seen the need to use his illness to educate the public about the disease.
However, it was only four years ago that he felt comfortable to do so because of the stigma that had existed in society.
The 24-year-old said after years of facing discrimination in society, he opted to contribute to breaking the walls of stigma through various educational strategies.
"I started out, first of all, by giving a speech on the disease for a friend who is also infected, but was scared to make the public talk," he said.
"I wasn't scared because by then I went through all the criticisms in society and persons were beginning to love and care for me," he added.
Richards is now participating in the Ministry of Health campaigns in breaking the stigma.
Pledge to continue
He said he was positive that he had made a difference in the lives of several persons living with the illness, and pledged to continue.
"My work don't stop here. I will continue to educate the people of Jamaica so that they know that AIDS is not a death sentence and we are people who live normal lives just the same," he said.
Richards encouraged other infected persons to speak up about the disease, which could change the way persons view them in society.
According to Roshane Reid, behaviour change communication officer in the National HIV/STI programme at the Ministry of Health, while the stigma still exists, the ministry has made significant strides through various educational strategies with the partnership of several key partners.
Among these are the Ministry of Education, non-governmental and faith-based organisations, as well as United Nations partners and funders.
The 2008 Knowledge, Attitude, Behaviour and Practice survey done by the ministry indicated that Jamaicans are displaying increasing acceptance of persons living with HIV, with 82 per cent being willing to care for an infected family member.
It showed, however, that persons remain reluctant to purchase fresh vegetables from HIV-positive vendors, with less than a quarter endorsing this measure.
Reid said the programme reaped much reward in breaking down the stigma in society as a result of several campaign strategies, such as mass media campaign featuring persons living with HIV, prevention interventions at health centres, public education in workplaces and education in schools, primarily through the implementation of the Health and Family Life Education curriculum.
The Jamaica Red Cross also played a major role in breaking down the barriers in society.
Programmes director for HIV and Youths, Stacy-Ann Tomlinson, said the institution was heavily involved in educating the public about the disease at various forums and events.
MSM Global Forum - GLOBAL SURVEY INDICATES MOST GAY MEN WORLDWIDE CANNOT ACCESS MOST BASIC HIV PREVENTION & SERVICES
Media Contact:
Jack Beck
510.271.1956 (o)
jbeck@msmgf.org
Groundbreaking Global Survey Indicates Most Gay Men Worldwide Cannot Access Most Basic HIV Prevention and Services
As the world looks toward new prevention technologies, majority of men who have sex with men report no easy access to condoms and lubricants.
November 29, 2010 (Oakland, Calif.) – A new survey of more than 5,000 participants worldwide indicates that the majority of men who have sex with men (MSM) globally find it difficult or impossible to access HIV testing, HIV counseling, free condoms and free lubricant. Released to coincide with World AIDS Day, the preliminary findings underscored the importance of universal access to HIV prevention and treatment, a central theme of this year’s World AIDS Day observance.
Initial analysis of the survey’s results indicates that fewer than half of MSM worldwide have access to even the most basic HIV prevention and services. Of all respondents, only 39 percent reported easy access to free condoms and barely one in four reported easy access to free lubricant. A full 25 percent said free lubricant was completely unavailable. Large percentages of men reported that it was difficult or impossible to access other essential services as well, including HIV testing (57 percent), HIV education materials (66 percent) and HIV treatment (70 percent).
Conducted by the Global Forum on MSM & HIV (MSMGF) in collaboration with Dr. Patrick Wilson, Assistant Professor at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health, the survey was carried out online in Chinese, English, French, Russian, and Spanish. Circulated through the MSMGF’s global networks and those of its partner Fridae.com, the survey closed with a total of 3,875 MSM and 1,009 MSM service providers participating – another 375 participants did not identify themselves as MSM or provider. Nearly three quarters of all study participants were from low or middle income countries.
“Since the beginning of the epidemic, it has been widely recognized that condoms, lubricant, testing and treatment, when combined with community-led behavior change and support programs, are the most reliable tools available in the fight against HIV among MSM,” said Dr. George Ayala, Executive Officer of the MSMGF. “More than 25 years in, it is inexcusable that MSM around the world continue to have such restricted access to these basic lifesaving resources.”
“With the excitement surrounding the promise of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), it can be easy to forget that we already have a rich selection of prevention measures that we know work right now,” said Patrick Hebert, Senior Education Associate at the MSMGF. “Today’s findings reinforce the fact that we can’t even get condoms and lube to more than half of MSM around the world. We must look seriously at barriers that prevent MSM in different country contexts from accessing these proven prevention tools.”
While reporting on levels of access to currently available HIV prevention tools and services, the survey also explored knowledge about emerging technologies like PrEP, which involves taking antiretroviral drugs before exposure to HIV in order to prevent infection. While men in North America, Western Europe and Australia reported more knowledge about emerging prevention strategies than men in Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, Eastern Europe, and Latin America, large numbers of men in all regions of the world expressed confusion about these technologies. When asked whether MSM should use PrEP to prevent HIV infection, 40% of respondents said “I don’t know.” This suggests a need for stronger communication and education efforts targeting MSM worldwide regarding these new potential options.
Regional differences also emerged regarding experiences of stigma and discrimination. On every measure of stigma related to homophobia, men in Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, Eastern Europe, and Latin America reported higher levels and harsher forms of stigma and discrimination than men in North America, Western Europe and Australia.
“Stigma and discrimination fuel the HIV epidemic among MSM and other high-risk populations,” said Othman Mellouk, Co-Chair of the MSMGF and Advocacy Coordinator of the International Treatment Preparedness Coalition (ITPC) for North Africa. “Stigma and discrimination undermine access to prevention and treatment programs by forcing MSM underground and away from services they may need. Without addressing the bigger issue of homophobia, we will have no hope of ending AIDS.”
The MSMGF is currently working with Dr. Wilson to complete analysis of the full data set and is expecting to release a comprehensive report in early 2011. This project is supported by a generous grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
The Global Forum on MSM & HIV (MSMGF) is an expanding network of AIDS organizations, MSM networks, and advocates committed to ensuring robust coverage of and equitable access to effective HIV prevention, care, treatment, and support services tailored to the needs of gay men and other MSM. Guided by a Steering Committee of 20 members from 17 countries situated mainly in the Global South, and with administrative and fiscal support from AIDS Project Los Angeles (APLA), the MSMGF works to promote MSM health and human rights worldwide through advocacy, information exchange, knowledge production, networking, and capacity building.
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