AEGiS-13IAC: HIV prevention amongst MSM.

13th International AIDS Conference

Durban, South Africa - July 9-July 14, 2000

HIV prevention amongst MSM.

Int Conf AIDS 2000 Jul 9-14; 13:(abstract no. ThOrD689)

Singh KV
K. V. Singh, Development, Advocacy and Research Trust (DART), 143 A, 2nd Floor, Gujar Dairy, Gautam Nagar 110 049, India, Tel.: +911 165 611 28, E-mail: kvsingh1@hotmail.com

ISSUE: HIV/STD risk reduction amongst resource poor MSM (males having sex with males) in Delhi, India. Description of the Project: MSM are the most discriminated and harassed group without access to medical, health, and other support services. The project methodology is based on 3 important components and principles: (1) Psycho-Social

ISSUES: Dealing with fear, shame, humiliation, low self esteem, no confidence, lack of social acceptance, tensions of joblessness, alcoholism in the family, marital discord, pressures to marry, have a child, etc. through training, personal counseling, group exercises and confidence building. Support meetings and 'buddy networks' are instrumental. (2) Economic

ISSUES: The second most important component is an ability to earn a living. building linkages within and outside the group for economic support, employment opportunities and skills development. (3) Access and availability of sexual health services: Appropriate and timely referrals for STD treatment, counseling referrals. Looseness=1

CONCLUSIONS: Trends observed in 1 year: Training, skills building, networking, support (buddy groups/peer acceptance) has lead to an enhanced self-esteem and self-confidence level within the group. Many of them are now ready to take charge of their life and accept behavior change for HIV prevention as a lifelong continuous process. Many more are employed and regular on their jobs, HIV prevention issues are being discussed informally amongst peers. The network has for the first time talked about their feelings, hopes and aspirations, going beyond the limited discussion on sex and sexuality. There is a ongoing discussion on discarding all labels (we are using MSM here to explain the issue), preferring not to make their sexual preferences/behaviors as the central and core theme of their life. Wherever possible and necessary, female partners of the MSM were also accessed for counseling without disclosure and in a confidential manner.

Keywords: AEGIS, Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, HIV Infections, Sex Behavior, HIV, Counseling, Self Concept, Social Support, Coitus, Sexuality, India, Human, Male, Child, Female, prevention & control
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