AEGiS-14IAC: Integration of the needs of gay men with HIV into UK gay men's HIV prevention programmes.

14th International AIDS Conference

Barcelona, Spain - July 7-12, 2002

Integration of the needs of gay men with HIV into UK gay men's HIV prevention programmes.

Int Conf AIDS 2002 Jul 7-12; 14:(abstract no. F11760)

Summerside JB, Keogh M, Ward P
Terrence Higgins Trust, London, United Kingdom

ISSUES: The HIV prevention and sexual health needs of gay men with HIV have been until recently largely ignored, as HIV prevention programmes have focused on protecting the uninfected from 'them'. Where HIV clinical and social care services have addressed such needs, this has largely been in the context of prohibitive approaches to avoid onward transmission, with little attention to sexual health and well-being as a quality of life issue.

DESCRIPTION: In England & Wales the Community HIV & AIDS Prevention Strategy CHAPS recognises the importance of meeting the needs of gay men with HIV. Strategic and good practice frameworks have been developed and systems put in place to ensure national campaigns and resources meet the needs of HIV infected gay men, and do not unintentionally re-inforce stigma. Local agencies such as Terrence Higgins Trust Birmingham have adopted the strategic framework, developing appropriate local community based health promotion for gay men with HIV, largely delivered by gay men with HIV. Some services currently provided include sex & relationship advice & information sessions, targeted resources, sex & relationship workshops, training for clinics and sector development for other HIV services.

ISSUES: This is a sensitive area, where attitudes of guilt, blame, altruism and responsibility frequently inhibit best practice. It is both practical and feasible to develop the methodology and quality of work locally, but this needs to be done in a co-ordinated and cross-sectoral manner. It is vital that work utilises the skills of those living with the virus in its development and facilitation.

RECOMMENDATIONS: HIV service providers and gay men's health promotion services need not only recognise the sexual well-being and HIV prevention needs of gay men with HIV, but develop and share good practice. It is essential that people with HIV are involved in consultation, planning and delivery of such work.

Keywords: AEGIS, Homosexuality, Male, Homosexuality, Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, HIV Infections, HIV Seropositivity, Health Services Needs and Demand, Social Behavior, Social Work, Health Promotion, Wales, England, Greece, Human, Male

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F11760