download/read the report HERE
Let me just be clear I am having mixed feelings about this new call.
According to a BBC report, the organisation says the move may help prevent a million new HIV infections over 10 years.
Officials warn rates of HIV among gay men remain high across the globe.
However, activists suggest this could discourage the use of condoms - one of the best methods to stop the virus spreading. The "chemical condom" psychological concern is real as persons may abandon such traditional practices for safer sex and instead latch on to a "take a pill" get a thrill philosophy abandoning any care and vigilance for reducing risk. When is it for example is one to take these pills prior to sex, immediately, two hours how long before and how long after if one is on let's see an orgy or a multiple day sexual activity?
The vagueness of this call is disturbing to me and I wonder if this is another way to make money for drug companies or extend the life of the cogs of HIV prevention so careers can be saved, was it really ever about finding a cure of different treatment that would or could lead to less drugs?
According to the WHO report, men who have sex with men are 19 times more likely to have HIV than the general population.
Health experts say offering antiretroviral drugs to all at-risk men - known as pre-exposure prophylaxis - will provide an additional way to prevent infection, together with condom use. I supported the concept at first but after seeing the new push and some of whom who are behind it I like many other gay men worldwide are questioning its veracity and relevance and indeed necessity when so much other research is out there such as the German patient and the bone marrow transplant etc.
When taken consistently by people at high risk, studies show the medication can reduce the chances of getting HIV by up to 92 per cent.
Scientists say encouraging this group of men to take these pills could lead to a 25 per cent reduction in new cases across the globe.
According to the WHO report, men who have sex with men are 19 times more likely to have HIV than the general population.
Health experts say offering antiretroviral drugs to all at-risk men - known as pre-exposure prophylaxis - will provide an additional way to prevent infection, together with condom use. I supported the concept at first but after seeing the new push and some of whom who are behind it I like many other gay men worldwide are questioning its veracity and relevance and indeed necessity when so much other research is out there such as the German patient and the bone marrow transplant etc.
When taken consistently by people at high risk, studies show the medication can reduce the chances of getting HIV by up to 92 per cent.
Scientists say encouraging this group of men to take these pills could lead to a 25 per cent reduction in new cases across the globe.
So a pill can stop transmission and at how much percentage of coverage, will persons who use PrEP still need to use a condom?
'Exciting approach'
Health experts say offering antiretroviral drugs to all at-risk men - known as pre-exposure prophylaxis - will provide an additional way to prevent infection, together with condom use.
When taken consistently by people at high risk, studies show the medication can reduce the chances of getting HIV by up to 92%.
And scientists say encouraging this group of men to take these pills could lead to a 25% reduction in new cases across the globe.
Dr Rosemary Gillespie, of the Terrence Higgins Trust, said: "We already know if someone has HIV, using treatment drastically reduces the likelihood of them passing it on, as does using condoms.
"The idea of treatment as prevention is not new, but the idea of extending treatment to HIV-negative people from high-risk groups is.
"Pre-exposure prophylaxis is an exciting approach, and likely to be one of a number of ways in which we can reduce the spread of HIV in the future.
"However, we need to evaluate how effective it will be in preventing HIV among gay men."'Progress threatened'
She says until the results of UK trials are known, condoms and regular testing remain the best weapons against HIV and other sexually transmitted infections.
And while the number of people dying of Aids is falling sharply, the WHO says key populations need more attention.
According to the report, transgender women are almost 50 times more likely to have HIV than other adults, a level similar to that seen among people who inject drugs.
And sex workers are 14 times more likely to have HIV than the general population.
"Dr Gottfried Hirnschall of the World Health Organization said: "Failure to provide services to the people who are at greatest risk of HIV jeopardises further progress against the global epidemic and threatens the health and well-being of individuals, their families and the broader community."
ENDS
more questions:
Where are the psycho social developmental pieces to this?
We are just reduced to penis sticking or penis taking sex crazed folks?
Where are the cognitive engaging activities especially for young homeless MSM who are facing other challenges for survival?
What about promoting healthier relationships between men who have sex with men?
Is abstinence out the window now, even for adolescent gay persons so as to delay sex until thy find the right partner?
I have said it before and I will say it again all we are to these HIV prevention specialists are statistics and targets to be met we seem not to have a mind or can have healthy normal lives in their eyes so we are reduced to only interested in sex. Hardly any discussion around person-hood, healthy socialization, acceptance or those kinds of self affirming issues or development.
MSM Global Forum (MSM activist professional club as I see it) gladly jumped on the bandwagon even without questioning or mentioning some of the psycho-social considerations that MUST be aligned with HIV prevention, our homeless MSM/Trans population has proven that beyond the shadow of a doubt:
The MSMGF said in its release: (some positive sections highlighted in yellow)
Explicit language around the correct and consistent use of condoms with condom-compatible lubricants;
A new recommendation on offering pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for MSM as an additional HIV prevention option; and
Considerations for offering PEP to key populations in need.
Moreover, the MSMGF applauds the emphasis on the importance of human rights and health equity.
The guidelines stress:
Access to HIV prevention, treatment, care, and support as fundamental to realizing the universal right to health;
Enhanced community empowerment of key populations through the implementation of interventions, including interventions designed to prevent and address violence; and Review and revision of laws to promote the implementation and enforcement of anti-discrimination and to protect the rights of key populations.
The MSMGF commends the 2014 Consolidated Guidelines for considering elements common to all key populations as well as highlighting specific issues and risks unique to each group, including for the first time separate sections and recommendations for transgender people. The MSMGF staff was intensely involved in the development of these guidelines, serving on the guidelines development group and steering group, as well as conducting a study commissioned by the WHO on the values and preferences of MSM regarding use of antiretroviral therapy as prevention.
“Implementation of the recommendations contained in these guidelines must incorporate a deeper and more nuanced understanding of the drivers of HIV vulnerability, including the role of structural factors play in stopping key populations from seeking out and accessing health services, particularly the stigma among many health care providers toward members of key populations,” said MSMGF Executive Director Dr. George Ayala.
“We are pleased that the new guidelines have responded to evidence on the health benefits of PrEP,” said Dr Ayala. “However, the PrEP recommendations for MSM and transgender people are fraught with challenges that need urgent attention. The MSMGF’s values and preferences study indicated potential complications of PrEP roll out among MSM in settings where basic HIV services like condoms, lubricants, and HIV treatment are difficult to obtain, or where basic services not already guaranteed to those who need and want them. In addition, MSM worldwide are worried about potential side effects and costs, and targeted education campaigns are needed to clarify PrEP’s implications. The guidelines’ recommendation on PrEP must be tempered by the needs and concerns of MSM on the ground, especially in resource-limited settings.”
The MSMGF looks forward to engaging with the WHO and other stakeholders in order to disseminate the guidelines and support their use by departments of health for national programming, and by community-based organizations for advocacy and service provision."
Continued oversight or deliberate overlooking of Jamaican SGL Women in HIV Prevention?
Jamaica Increasing Funding For HIV/AIDS Programmes
13,328 Jamaican MSM Reached by HIV Prevention says report on National HIV Program ........ but
New Efforts To Halt Spread Of HIV Among Gay Jamaica Men
Concerns for HIV prevalence rate in MSM in Jamaica & connected matters
Health Minister Ferguson on WAD '13 & FBOs fear of a Buggery repeal with future parachuted gay marriage rights
Incestuous messes, poor NGO monitoring & ever deepening mistrust about "gay rights"
Why did CVCC & JFJ not Fund a Project/Home for Homeless LGBT Youth in New Kingston instead of the Children’s Home Fiasco ...........
YOUNG MSM/TRANSGENDER WANT TO BE TREATED AS CITIZENS NOT POTENTIAL HIV/AIDS VICTIMS from March 2014
HIV and MSM community: Should we care? — Pt 2
Layered Stigma among Health Facility and Social Services Staff toward Most-at-Risk Populations in Jamaica
Big AIDS fight boost - Ja gets US$3.8 million from US$7-b fund
2007 MSM Study Reminder
New HIV infections rising in region, Unprotected straight, anal and bisexual intercourse blamed 2011
Review condom policy for prisoners
Continued oversight of same gender loving women in HIV response
Peace and tolerance needed indeed
H
Access to HIV prevention, treatment, care, and support as fundamental to realizing the universal right to health;
Enhanced community empowerment of key populations through the implementation of interventions, including interventions designed to prevent and address violence; and Review and revision of laws to promote the implementation and enforcement of anti-discrimination and to protect the rights of key populations.
The MSMGF commends the 2014 Consolidated Guidelines for considering elements common to all key populations as well as highlighting specific issues and risks unique to each group, including for the first time separate sections and recommendations for transgender people. The MSMGF staff was intensely involved in the development of these guidelines, serving on the guidelines development group and steering group, as well as conducting a study commissioned by the WHO on the values and preferences of MSM regarding use of antiretroviral therapy as prevention.
“Implementation of the recommendations contained in these guidelines must incorporate a deeper and more nuanced understanding of the drivers of HIV vulnerability, including the role of structural factors play in stopping key populations from seeking out and accessing health services, particularly the stigma among many health care providers toward members of key populations,” said MSMGF Executive Director Dr. George Ayala.
“We are pleased that the new guidelines have responded to evidence on the health benefits of PrEP,” said Dr Ayala. “However, the PrEP recommendations for MSM and transgender people are fraught with challenges that need urgent attention. The MSMGF’s values and preferences study indicated potential complications of PrEP roll out among MSM in settings where basic HIV services like condoms, lubricants, and HIV treatment are difficult to obtain, or where basic services not already guaranteed to those who need and want them. In addition, MSM worldwide are worried about potential side effects and costs, and targeted education campaigns are needed to clarify PrEP’s implications. The guidelines’ recommendation on PrEP must be tempered by the needs and concerns of MSM on the ground, especially in resource-limited settings.”
The MSMGF looks forward to engaging with the WHO and other stakeholders in order to disseminate the guidelines and support their use by departments of health for national programming, and by community-based organizations for advocacy and service provision."
ENDS
So even the gate keepers have hugged this up wholesale with lip service to empowerment once again, we have seen this before.
Gay Men Are Receptive to Sexual Health Info on Hookup Sites says Scottish Study
German Study: Gay men who discuss HIV status with sexual partners are less likely to acquire HIV
St. Kitts and Nevis PM Douglas defends PANCAP’s Justice For All programme
also see
YOUNG MSM/TRANSGENDER WANT TO BE TREATED AS CITIZENS NOT POTENTIAL HIV/AIDS VICTIMSGay Men Are Receptive to Sexual Health Info on Hookup Sites says Scottish Study
German Study: Gay men who discuss HIV status with sexual partners are less likely to acquire HIV
St. Kitts and Nevis PM Douglas defends PANCAP’s Justice For All programme
Jamaica Increasing Funding For HIV/AIDS Programmes
13,328 Jamaican MSM Reached by HIV Prevention says report on National HIV Program ........ but
New Efforts To Halt Spread Of HIV Among Gay Jamaica Men
Concerns for HIV prevalence rate in MSM in Jamaica & connected matters
Health Minister Ferguson on WAD '13 & FBOs fear of a Buggery repeal with future parachuted gay marriage rights
Incestuous messes, poor NGO monitoring & ever deepening mistrust about "gay rights"
Why did CVCC & JFJ not Fund a Project/Home for Homeless LGBT Youth in New Kingston instead of the Children’s Home Fiasco ...........
YOUNG MSM/TRANSGENDER WANT TO BE TREATED AS CITIZENS NOT POTENTIAL HIV/AIDS VICTIMS from March 2014
HIV and MSM community: Should we care? — Pt 2
Layered Stigma among Health Facility and Social Services Staff toward Most-at-Risk Populations in Jamaica
Big AIDS fight boost - Ja gets US$3.8 million from US$7-b fund
2007 MSM Study Reminder
New HIV infections rising in region, Unprotected straight, anal and bisexual intercourse blamed 2011
Review condom policy for prisoners
Continued oversight of same gender loving women in HIV response
H
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