Pretoria, Thursday 9 November 2017 – In a Southern African first, the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) working with partners, has conducted a study looking at the HIV prevention needs of partnered men who have sex with men (MSM).
The news articles below are available for download:
Additional online coverage:
• http://www.mambaonline.com/2017/11/21/stigma-silence-stress-msm-couples-hiv-southern-africa/
• https://www.thedailyvox.co.za/a-new-study-looks-at-the-causes-of-higher-hiv-risk-amongst-gay-men-in-sa-and-namibia-mihlali-ntsabo/
• https://www.iol.co.za/lifestyle/love-sex/sex/men-who-have-sex-with-men-shamed-into-risky-behaviour-12079809
• http://www.safrica24.com/lifestyle/men-who-have-sex-with-men-shamed-into-risky-behaviour/32563-news
• https://www.timeslive.co.za/news/africa/2017-11-20-honesty-is-best-hiv-policy-for-gay-couples/
• https://www.iol.co.za/lifestyle/love-sex/sex/sas-public-healthcare-not-designed-for-msm-people-study-12044939
• http://www.dispatchlive.co.za/news/2017/11/20/honesty-best-policy-reduce-gay-bisexual-male-hiv-rates/
HIV risk and transmission amongst male-male partnerships continues to be inadequately studied in many countries and under-represented in national HIV surveillance systems and in targeted prevention programmes. Cultural and social contexts in Africa further impact negatively on the understanding of the unique behaviours, needs and challenges of male-male partnerships.
The study was conducted in KZN, South Africa and in Namibia in partnership with the Pietermaritzburg Gay and Lesbian Network in KZN and Positive Vibes in Namibia.
The findings of this study will be presented to media and stakeholders on Thursday 16 November 2017, on the margins of the AIDS Impact Conference co-hosted by the HSRC and Stellenbosch University at the Century City Conference Centre, Cape Town.
Coming ahead of World Aids Day 2017, this study yields significant insights into the HIV risk taking behaviour, prevention and treatment needs of male-male partnerships in Southern Africa. These insights will impact positively on public health initiatives including, the design of prevention messages and interventions to reduce HIV amongst male-male partnerships.
Media are invited as follows:
Date : Thursday 16 November 2017
Time : 08h30-10h00
Venue : Century City Conference Centre, Cape Town
Enquiries/RSVPs : Manusha Pillai on 082 389 3587 or MPillai@hsrc.ac.za
Interviews can be facilitated. Please contact:
Manusha Pillai on MPillai@hsrc.ac.za or 0823893587
Adziliwi Nematandani on anematandani@hsrc.ac.za or 082 765 9191
Follow the conversation on #ResearchMatters #WorldAidsDay2017 #HSRC #TogetherTomorrow
Notes to the Editor
About the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC)
The HSRC was established in 1968 as South Africa’s statutory research agency and has grown to become the largest dedicated research institute in the social sciences and humanities on the African continent, doing cutting-edge public research in areas that are crucial to development.
Our mandate is to inform the effective formulation and monitoring of government policy; to evaluate policy implementation; to stimulate public debate through the effective dissemination of research-based data and fact-based research results; to foster research collaboration; and to help build research capacity and infrastructure for the human sciences.
The Council conducts large-scale, policy-relevant, social-scientific research for public sector users, non-governmental organisations and international development agencies. Research activities and structures are closely aligned with South Africa’s national development priorities.
Join the conversation at:
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For more information or to set up interviews, please contact:
Manusha Pillai
Mobile: 082 389 3587
email: MPillai@hsrc.ac.za