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The Top2Btm AIDS Priorities Conference has once again put MSM in the spotlight with an article published by Health-e journalist Khopotso Bodibe.

The article takes a look at the current and pressing issues of MSM trying to access health care and the negative effects that this has on the basic health care of such a marginalised group.

“Nothing I hate like homosexuals, the founders of AIDS!” “If they burn with sex desire why can’t they quench it with a woman?” These comments and more greeted an article posted on The Sowetan Live website. The story has attracted a considerable amount of negative comment, even though it was only jettisoned into cyberspace 45 minutes ago.

Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi’s scheduled appearance at Anova’s Top2Btm Symposium in Cape Town caused waves last week. An article in the Mail&Guardian argues that the minister’s presence at the MSM and HIV focused symposium, while commendable, could re-stigmatise men who have sex with men.

Effectively responding to the high prevalence of HIV among men who have sex with men (MSM) in South Africa requires more research.

This was the call of numerous speakers at the second day of the Top2Btm symposium where researchers, medical professionals and policy makers met to discuss treatment, prevention and care of HIV for MSM. The symposium is based in Cape Town and hosted by the Anova Health Institute with support from PEPFAR.

Speaking on behalf of Minister Aaron Motsoaledi at Monday evening’s opening of the Top2Btm symposium in Cape Town, Dr. Yogan Pillay, Chief Director of Strategic Planning at the National Department of Health emphasised the need for an HIV strategy that is “much more nuanced and targeted.”

The Minister was due to open the three day symposium dedicated to the sexual health of men who have sex with men (MSM), but was unable to attend and sent Pillay in his stead.

Reading the Minister’s speech, Pillay noted: “Even though the Strategic Plan mentions men who have sex with men, we certainly haven’t done enough to protect this group”.

The Top2Btm Symposium, which is coordinated by Anova, is the subject of an article from the online health related news provider Health-e. The symposium which opened in Cape Town yesterday, focuses on various issues relating to MSM and HIV.

The article places the symposium in context through recalling the days when HIV was initially and erroneously labeled a ‘gay disease’ and consequently given the name GRID (Gay Related Immune Deficiency).

Anova features prominently in an article in The Star that reports the findings of a PHRU and USCF collaborative study of men who have sex with men and HIV prevalence in Soweto.

The article features commentary from Anova’s executive director James McIntyre and David Motswagae of the Simon Nkoli Centre for Men’s Health. Based at the Chris Hani Baragwanth Hospital, the Simon Nkoli Center is run by Health4Men, a project of the Anova Health Institute that specialises in providing sexual healthcare for men who have sex with men.

The controversial bill that includes a provision for the execution of homosexuals is being reviewed by the Ugandan parliament this week and may be voted into legislation shortly.

Health4Men, a project of the Anova Health Institute, have established Africa’s first public sector clinics dedicated to the sexual health needs of men who have sex with men - irrespective of whether they identify as gay or straight. Through its clinics in Cape Town, Soweto, Pretoria and Mafikeng, Health4Men personnel offer comprehensive HIV and sexual health care for all MSM and have built a sound reputation providing training and technical support to the public health system.

FEATURE: Yngve Sjolund of CD4 Magazine and consultant for HIV/AIDS NGOs in writing and and editing research around HIV takes a look at the work and progress done by the Health4Men Simon Nkoli Centre for Mens Health Clinic in Soweto.