Fighting HIV/AIDS ain’t cut and dry.
There are countless factors to be considered when combating the epidemic, especially in a continent as complex as Africa – and particularly with regard to homophobia:
The persistent and increasing outbreaks of violence against members of the gay community in Africa are jeopardising efforts undertaken to combat HIV, both within this group and across the population as a whole, Aids activists warned at a recent meeting in Limb, Cameroon.
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According to IGLHRC, 38 of the 53 countries in Africa still consider homosexuality as an offence punishable by sentences ranging in severity up to imprisonment.
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Even when MSM are aware, their exclusion from the majority of health policies on the continent means that it is difficult for them to obtain what they need to protect themselves from infection.The most frequent problem is access to lubricating gel, explained Monvoisin. “Many [MSM] use butter or oil, but unfortunately this damages condoms.”
Well, they’re using condoms – that’s a step in the right direction.
Paul Raposo
Homophobia regarding HIV isn’t just in Africa–all the studies done claiming circumcision lowers the risk of contracting HIV have all excluded MSM and the researchers, in particular Daniel Halperin and Robert Baile, have been dismissive of MSM in regards to the spread of HIV and ignoring the plight of closeted homosexuals in their studies. Both are convinced ALL the cases of HIV in sub-Saharan Africa are straight.
CHURCHILL-Y
Alternatives Cameroun prepare to get jailed by your government. I’m surprised they didn’t disrupt that meeting in Limb once they made that warning. But yeah the vast majority of HIV/AIDS cases in the African continent are from heteros.
Dilroy
Why only 2 comments here? Perhaps they should have questioned Obama’s committment to AIDS relief in Africa, that would have riled up the Queerty-klan.