Teaching Nurses How To Treat Gay Men Is Saving Lives In Rural South Africa

“I would like to urge every MSM out there to go and get help—not to die in secrecy."

From:  NewNowNext

 A program in east South Africa is working to educate nurses about addressing the unique health issues of gay and bisexual men. And it’s paying off.

Gay-friendly facilities opened earlier this month at M’Africa Community Clinic in Emjindini, a town of of about 220 miles from Johannesburg. In all, some 20 community clinics have been been trained across the province of Mpumalanga.

 “They are now competent to accept and offer treatment to men who are having sex with other men,” Sibusiso Makhathini of ANOVA Health Institute, which sponsored the training, told News 24.

Sister Favourite Sikhosane said she was thrilled to receive the information. As a nurse, she never intentionally discriminated against gay people, but she admits she had no idea how to address their concerns.

 “Our clinic is now competent to treat MSM and we are calling them to visit us,” said Sikhosane. “They will receive friendly treatment. Our nurses now understand better.”

South Africa is being ravaged by the AIDS epidemic: At the start of the 21st century nearly one-half of all deaths in South Africa were related to HIV/AIDS. Even now, 19% of the country’s population is HIV-positive, the highest rate in the world.

 Stigma is a major factor: It’s not uncommon for gay men to be disowned, even harassed and attacked after coming out. (In 2014, a gay man was gang-raped and left in a burning house.)

Misinformation has played a part, as well: As recent as 2006, South African health minister Manto Tshabalala-Msimang advocated a diet of garlic, olive oil and lemon to “cure” HIV.

The hope is that by creating a more welcoming and enlightened environment, clinics can encourage gay and bi men about testing, prevention and treatment.

“I would like to urge every MSM out there to go and get help” said Mnendi Zulu, a gay man from the village of Manyeveni. “Not to die in secrecy.”

More than 18,000 doctors, researchers, activists, policymakers and heads of state are attending the 21st International AIDS Conference in Durban, South Africa, including actress Charlize Theron, a UN Messenger of Peace and founder of an outreach program for young South Africans affected by HIV.