Asia / Pacific

Key Pacific HIV Report Emphasises Men Who Have Sex With Men

Mon, 07/12/2009 - 11:39am — admin

The most comprehensive report on HIV in the Pacific ever published has drawn attention to men who have sex with men (MSM) in the region. This is an impressive development given that MSM have been largely ignored in the Pacific’s response.

The Commission on AIDS in the Pacific was established to make independent assessments of the impact of and responses to HIV in the Pacific and make recommendations to reverse the epidemic and mitigate its adverse effects.

Turning the Tide recognises male to male sex as a key risk and vulnerability issue but notes that little research and health promotion activities with MSM have taken place. Additionally it also acknowledges that the illegal status of homosexuality and the stigma associated with sexual diversity are major obstacles for these activities to take place.

Most importantly, this report endorses the efforts of MSM community organisations in the region and the work of the Pacific Sexual Diversity Network (PSDN), a regional grouping ACON has worked with over the last two years. The report supports the PSDN strategic plan, launched earlier this year, as a basis for reforming national laws and policies and rolling out peer-driven health promotion programs.