Baseline research on Assessing the burden of HIV/AIDS among Men who have Sex with Men (MSM) in Abuja

Ignorance about the extent of male-male sex has led to relative lack of MSM programming. In the past, HIV/AIDS prevention programming in Nigeria has often concentrated on heterosexual sex and minimal public health efforts have focused on homosexual transmission. Many men see sex with women as being an HIV/AIDS risk and male-male sex as a safer option. Also, Criminalisation of male-male sex, Cultural and religious factors have led to the denial of male to male sex which increases their vulnerability.

The rationale behind the research was that many African countries do not acknowledge the existence of MSM and have little HIV prevention programming targeting MSM in Nigeria. Also, the main problem is not much is known about MSM in Nigeria. With funding from amfAR, CRH carried out a baseline study of MSM in Abuja with a view to unearth their HIV burden and challenges faced. The overall goal of the project was to carry out a baseline research to identify the magnitude of HIV burden and challenges faced by MSM in Abuja, Nigeria.

The research serves as a baseline to generate information on the HIV prevalence among MSM in Abuja, allow for policy formulation and further research in mitigating the HIV/AIDS burden among MSM. It is worthy to note that the research provides issues and recommendation based on a public health approach and human right angle. It also serves as a tool for policy formulation and implementation on access of the basic fundamental right to health. This research and advocacy tool provide insights on programmatic activities and interventions in mitigating the HIV/AIDS burden, while providing in-depth analysis on behavioral, sexual and human rights violations among MSM. The project revealed the MSM population is hidden due to several factors and the easiest way to provide information is through peers, influencers, networks and parties.

For a more detailed report on the research, please go to www.crhonline.org