Strengthening healthcare providers' skills to improve HIV services for MSM in Kenya.

Journal article

Research on HIV burden and determinants of HIV risks among MSM in sub-Saharan Africa is now considerable [1]. A meta-analysis of 51 surveys conducted between 2005 and 2013 estimated 18.7% HIV prevalence among MSM, a disproportionately large contribution to the HIV epidemic in sub-Saharan Africa [2,3]. Targeted interventions for MSM could significantly decrease HIV transmission, not only among MSM but also on a population level [4,5]. However, anal intercourse in African societies remains highly stigmatized and HIV public health messaging is still unfocused [6]. Compilation of data on testing behaviour among African MSM derives mostly from studies centred among urban and sex worker MSM [7,8] and indicates that legal policy, social inequality, and inadequate training of healthcare providers (HCPs) discourage MSM from seeking HIV prevention and treatment [9–13]. Addressing HIV and other health needs among MSM in this region cannot be met through the healthcare sector alone. Rigorous structural efforts promoting a skilled healthcare labour force, and community sensitization to protect against unfair treatment will improve the provision of effective and ethical health services for African MSM

Authors: van der Elst, E; Gichuru, E; Muraguri, N; Musyoki, H; Micheni, M

• Publication status: Published
• Peer review status: Peer reviewed
• Publisher: Lippincott, Williams & Wilkin
• Journal: AIDS
• Volume: 29 Suppl 3
• Pages: S237-S240
• Publication date: 2015-12-01
• DOI: 10.1097/qad.0000000000000882
• EISSN: 1473-5571
• ISSN: 0269-9370
• Language: English