Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2007. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
 |
New Vision (Kampala) - August 29, 2007
Hilary Bainemigisha
That is how I feel about those masked Ugandans who wanted us to recognise their presence as men who have sex with men (MSM). Although I, personally, have never recognised their absence, I take time off to marvel at how some men can actually pass by beautiful and plentiful women in their search for body parts that produce waste for the toilet pit.
But that is just my feelings which may be your feelings too, but so what? Shouldn't these impressions of MSM be allowed to fade in the face of national obligation and social responsibility in the fight against HIV? Let us rise beyond our subjective animosity and accept their plea - at least for selfish reasons. Yes, recognising them actually benefits us because it gives us chance to mobilise and sensitise against the habit. It is not unconstitutional to be selfish.
Look here: We have spent large amounts of money, time, sweat, tears and condoms fighting HIV. We removed the fight from medics and hospitals to involve everybody - leaders and the led, old and young, friends and foes - for once, we united as Ugandans without feeling the urge to throw out each other's framed photos. We got medals, remember?
We were dragging HIV prevalence to zero. Suddenly, it became too heavy. Progress stopped. We started marking time. Why? Wars are won with solid defences, and we are letting our unity crumble! Instead of fighting the HIV in men, we are fighting fellow men! We cannot win this war without blocking all avenues HIV uses to penetrate our defences? MSM is one such avenue!
In Uganda, MSM usually marry women to maintain their camouflage. Yet HIV breeds best in MSM because their unfortunate arena of interest was not designed with a suitable carpet to handle league matches. The anus is so permeable that the unfriendly virus easily crosses to the blood vessels. Statistically, even without tears and bruises, the risk of HIV infection rises five times!
According to the Foundation for AIDS Research, amfAR, MSM easily infect each other with HIV because they operate clandestinely within a cohort that knows itself and shares each other for lack of wide alternatives. HIV perseverance in Nairobi MSM was found to be 40%, yet officially, most of these are in husband and wife relationships because that is what society expects them to do. And they bring the virus with them! It is self defeating to think floods are a Bwaise problem when, with time, the waters rise to invade the rest of Kampala.
Let us halt the demonstrations and call out our prodigal sons. We can even slaughter for them the fattened bull as long as it gives us a chance to address the HIV in them: Avail them the special condoms they need, the gels which minimise tears - another HIV avenue and teach them how to use which gels. Our doctors will get an opportunity to learn about MSM special concerns and somehow, we shall lower their HIV burden. Let all the 85 countries which criminalise MSM wake up and allow them to seek and receive essential HIV/Aids prevention services or care. We must fight HIV wherever it is - not the people who host it.
We cannot help them back into the family when we do not want to see who they are, how they live, whether there are any compelling factors and what aspirins to give them. Kenyann writer Ngugi wa Thiongo said you cannot fight the butterfly without first studying the way it flies. Remember, they are the ones who alerted us about the epidemic when it had just come. In a war like this, we forget our differences and fight the common enemy first. Then we can disagree later. That is what the opposition failed to see in Kalungu East and that is why Mbidde is not the area MP.
Finally, I am - no, I will not talk about myself - I know you will do that soon after this full stop.
070829
NV070829
Copyright © 2007 - The New Vision. All articles are republished on AEGIS by permission. Material may not be redistributed, posted to any other location, published or used for broadcast without written authorization from Managing Director/Editor-in-chief, The New Vision, P.O. Box 9815, Kampala - Uganda, Tel/fax: 256-41-235221, E-mail: wpike@newvision.co.ug.
AEGiS is a 501(c)3, not-for-profit, tax-exempt, educational corporation. AEGiS is made possible through unrestricted funding from Boehringer Ingelheim, Bridgestone/Firestone Charitable Trust, Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Elton John AIDS Foundation, the National Library of Medicine, Roche and Trimeris, and donations from users like you. Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 2007. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.
AEGiS presents published material, reprinted with permission and neither endorses nor opposes any material. All information contained on this website, including information relating to health conditions, products, and treatments, is for informational purposes only. It is often presented in summary or aggregate form. It is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.
Copyright ©1980, 2007. AEGiS. All materials appearing on AEGiS are protected by copyright as a collective work or compilation under U.S. copyright and other laws and are the property of AEGiS, or the party credited as the provider of the content. .