HIV and African M S M in
England: A new wave of
Challenge.
Presented by
Adebisi Alimi
Thematic Issue





Statistical information on infections
Reasons for high HIV infection in
African MSM community
Factors leading to late diagnosis in
African MSM community
Treatment options
Care and support
Introduction



Sex between men occurs in every culture and
society
Estimates of the proportion of men who have
had sex with another men at least once vary
between 3% and 20% worldwide
In many countries, social stigma and
discrimination means that many MSM who
would otherwise be exclusively homosexual are
having heterosexual relationships, thereby
potentially exposing their female as well as
male partners to HIV & STIs when they have
unsafe sex
Setting the scene



Although disproportionately white and
mainly British, the gay community in London
is as multi-ethnic and multi-cultural as the
broader population (Sigma Research, 2004)
Bass Line survey (2008) approx 5% black
Africans men report sex between men
Sexual health survey (UCL) Up to 10% of
MSM surveys identify themselves as BME
Statistical information on
infections among African MSM in
England





an estimated 60% of the 33 million people living with HIV
worldwide reside in sub Sahara African
In the UK there have been over 39,000 new diagnoses of
HIV among men who have sex with men (MSM) of which
1.3% are from the African MSM community ?
Within the African community, African MSM accounts for the
second highest HIV prevalence after African women.
There are not enough data to show the uptake of HIV
testing within the African MSM community and these is due
to many reasons.
Between 1999 and 2009, the HPA statistic shows that 527
African MSM has tested positive compared to over 24,000
from the white gay men and over 2,000 from mix heritage.
Reasons for high HIV
infection in African
MSM community







Unprotected sex anal sex
Drug use
Lack of information on HIV/ Condom use
Lack of capacity to negotiate safer sex
Poverty
Immigration
Stigma and Discrimination.
Factors leading to late
diagnosis in African
MSM community







Knowledge of the need to test
Availability of testing centres outside
of GUM clinics and GPs
Confidentiality
Fear of immigration
Type of questions asked
Stigma and Discrimination
Poverty
Treatment options






Many people do not know treatment
is free
Provision of treatments based on
Immigration status
Side effects
Treatment demands
Adherence to treatments
Alternative medicine
Care and support

Where to get care and support

What type of supports are available

How long they can have access to
those supports
Monya Project






The first project for African Men who
have sex with Men in London
Funded by the Newham PCT
Executed by Naz Project London
Started in 2007.
Have a membership based of over 50
Self identified African MSM
Been the base for support for many
Africa gay men.
Services Provided







Referral for testing
Support group meeting
Advice session
Condom demonstration and
distribution
Social events
Outreach
Training/workshop
Recommendations






More research into the sexual and identity
behaviour of African MSM
Develop a specific intervention package for the
community
Redesign pre-test discussion questions to get the
right answers
More funding for Prevention work for the African
MSM
Develop a campaign strategy that understands
the identity, Language and needs of the
community
Provide testing areas away from the
conventional.
THANK YOU