Booklet explains unique health needs and
sets forth principles of practice for doctors, nurses and other healthcare
providers.
May 17, 2011 - The Global Forum on MSM
& HIV (MSMGF) has published a new primer for doctors, nurses and other
healthcare providers designed to improve the quality of clinical care available
to men who have sex with men (MSM) across a broad range of contexts. Released on May 17, the International Day
against Homophobia, the booklet identifies stigma and discrimination as key
barriers preventing MSM from accessing vital health services.
Entitled "Engaging with Men Who Have Sex
with Men in the Clinical Setting," the primer was developed in response to the
unacceptable quality of care offered to MSM at clinics around the world. High levels of homophobia among clinic staff
have led to negligent care and severe violations of patient rights, such as
verbal abuse and confidentiality breeches.
In addition, clinical curricula in many low- and middle-income countries
have failed to include content on MSM health, leaving healthcare professionals
with no knowledge of MSM health needs or the ways to address them.
Such substandard care has been a primary
factor in the surge of HIV among MSM around the world as well as lower health
outcomes overall. More than half of MSM
globally report that it is difficult or impossible to access vital services
like HIV testing and treatment, while HIV prevalence rates skyrocket above 20%
in countries like Senegal, Jamaica and Thailand. Studies indicate that MSM also experience
higher rates of depression, anxiety, substance abuse and suicide due to high
levels of stress and alienation from social services and support.
The primer aims to improve the standard of
clinical care for MSM by providing basic knowledge about homosexuality and MSM
health needs, as well as offering a set of principles for effective engagement
of MSM in a healthcare setting. The
booklet begins by dispelling common myths about homosexuality and exploring the
role of service providers in meeting the needs of MSM. These needs are then examined in greater
detail, with a focus on sexual health, mental health, drug use and
violence. The primer concludes with a
roadmap for healthcare providers, providing guidance on leading community-level
engagement with MSM and enhancing local capacity to meet MSM needs.
"Healthcare providers play a central
part in the well-being of MSM around the world," said Dr. George Ayala,
Executive Officer of the MSMGF. "We have seen how damaging it can be when they
are ill-equipped to handle the needs of MSM.
But with the proper tools at their disposal, they have the potential to
be an equally powerful force for good.
This primer represents a first step toward that goal."
The primer is currently available in
English and can be found on the MSMGF's website at the following link:
http://www.msmgf.org/files/msmgf//Publications/MSMGF_Healthcare_Primer.pdf
Translations are forthcoming in Russian,
French and Spanish. Any questions can be
directed to contact@msmgf.org.
Organization: MSMGF
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