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Men who have sex with men (MSM) - a sidelined population in HIV/AIDS prevention programs in Zambia
W. Zulu
ZHAPHIT, Advocacy, Lusaka, Zambia
Background: HIV/AIDS is one of the greatest challenges facing our generation. Policy-makers and some HIV program managers sometimes deny that male-to-male sex occurs in Zambia. The objectives of the study were to examine the existence of Men who have Sex with Men (MSM) and the frequency with which bisexuals engage in unprotected anal sex. Analyze factors propelling HIV transmission and assess vulnerability of MSM to HIV/AIDS in Zambia.
Methods: The study instrument was a questionnaire in which some answers were given orally and others in writing.The sample consisted of Males' aged between 14 and 35 in and out of school in two provinces of Zambia namely Lusaka and the copper belt.
Results: 40% of self identified MSM reported initiation through peers and by choice. 35% reported having sex with both men and women in the last twelve months. 55% said rectal sex is safer than having vaginal sex with a woman. 20% of these reported having had syphilis, but blamed workers for it. 30% reported to be doing it for money. 83% do not know condoms are used in anal sex. No MSM prevention or advocacy programs were reported.
Conclusions: Data analyzed from the study suggests that sex between men exists and is at the peak of HIV transmission in many Zambian contexts. It may be instrumental to argue for MSM's sexual rights in order to avoid a further escalation of the HIV/AIDS pandemic. No single AIDS service organisatiomn (ASO) has programs targeting men who have sex with men in Zambia. it would be prudent not look at men who have sex with men (MSM) as a problem but must be part of the solution to HIV/ADS prevention hence the need to have programs targeting MSM in order to achieve the much needed zero new HIV/AIDS infection rate.
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