News

The documentary How to Survive a Plague, chronicling American gay activists’ response to the early days of the HIV epidemic, has been nominated for Best Documentary at the 85th Academy Awards.

What do shebeens (township taverns frequented by local residents in township areas) have in common with World Aids Day? Plenty, according to the outreach staff at Health4Men, a project of the Anova Health Institute that provides free sexual healthcare to men to have sex with men (MSM) in South Africa.

Health4Men, a project of the Anova Health Institute, expresses grave concern and foreboding regarding developments in Uganda pertaining to the ongoing persecution of gay people, and the criminalisation of homosexuality in that country. 

The Ugandan Anti-Homosexuality Bill appropriately referred to as the Kill the Gays Bill in the media, is due for a second reading in Uganda’s parliament within days. This is happening within the context of the Speaker of that parliament, Rebecca Kadaga, stating that the bill will definitely be passed and describing it as a “Christmas gift” to Ugandans.  It is ironic that the bill which allows for the death penalty on the grounds of sexual orientation was initially submitted by a fundamentalist Christian MP who was reportedly influenced by the irrational anti-gay views for a group of American Christian extremists.

Exciting news for gay, bisexual and straight men who have sex with men (MSM) in South Africa: Competent health services for MSM are being expanded in five provinces. This has been made possible by a significant five-year grant awarded to the Anova Health Institute by the United States President’s Emergency Plan for Aids Relief (PEPFAR), through USAID.

Labelling others is easy. Treat others the way you want to be treated.

Please note that all Health4Men clinical sites will remain operational on working days over the festive season.

The Anova Health Institute, Health4Men’s parent body, has been awarded a significant five-year grant by the United States President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), via USAID.

Health4Men has developed a brand new, comprehensive series of fact sheets specifically designed for MSM (men who have sex with men) and addresses sexual health. A total of 11 different fact sheets will soon be available. Watch this space for more details.

November is Red Ribbon Month. The Health4Men outreach team in Cape Town will be hosting three events in the lead up to World Aids Day on 1 December 2012.

SOUTH African scientists have discovered how some people can make potent antibodies capable of neutralising strains of HIV, taking researchers a step closer to developing a vaccine.