HIV Prevalence, Risks for HIV Infection, and Human Rights among Men Who Have Sex with Men in Malawi, Namibia, and Botswana

SHARP and OSISA-funded research on risks for HIV infection among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Malawi, Namibia, and Botswana has been published by PLoS ONE, a peer-reviewed, online publication. The research was a collaborative effort between community-based LGBT rights groups, the Center for Public Health and Human Relations of the Johns Hopkins School of Public Health, and the Open Society Institute.

Results of the research conclude that MSM are a high-risk population for HIV infection and human rights abuses in all three countries. Data reflect alarmingly higher rates of HIV prevalence in MSM than the general HIV prevalence among men of reproductive age. The study also reveals that MSM experience high rates of human rights abuses, blackmail, and denial of housing and health care.

The study conclusion calls for further epidemiologic and evaluative research to assess the contribution of MSM to Southern Africa's HIV epidemics and how best to mitigate increased HIV infection rates. Further, countries should initiate and adequately fund evidence-based and targeted HIV prevention programs for MSM.