Men's Health
The men’s health division, is involved in a variety of projects and research focused on HIV prevention among men who have sex with men (MSM). This year, they have directed most of their efforts towards enrolling for the Chemoprophylaxis for HIV Prevention in Men study. This ground breaking clinical trial is trying to determine if taking Truvada, an approved and safe ARV, once a day, can prevent HIV among negative men.
The PrEP Study, as it is more commonly known, is unique, in that unlike other research focused on using medication as a vaccine or treatment for HIV, PrEP’s aim is to use medication to prevent the initial infection of HIV. As the only African site of this global trial, the Desmond Tutu HIV Foundation plays a key role in securing South Africa’s contribution to global HIV prevention research. The PrEP study has also afforded the division the opportunity to invest in innovative approaches to engaging with and supporting Cape Town’s diverse MSM population. Included among these, are citywide netball tournaments, in which community-based teams of MSM take part.
In addition, to address the lack of MSM-friendly counseling and testing services, the division created an MSM sensitivity manual for health workers in Africa. The manual, which covers topics such as risk reduction counseling, identity, coming out, stigma, and mental health, was distributed to colleagues in Kenya and throughout the Western Cape. Plans are in place to incorporate the manual into training programmes for health workers from a variety of government and non-profit organisations.
The division also undertook a new research study to provide insight into the specific HIV subtype that affects Cape Town’s MSM community. The team plans to implement a yearly surveillance study to gather critical information including HIV prevalence data and human rights abuses in MSM in Cape Town.
The Men’s division core objective will continue to be seeking better support for the MSM community by initiating cutting edge research and advocacy on issues that affect this at-risk population.
Projectleaders: Dr. Andrew Sheibe and Ben Brown
