NGO presents HIV awareness

Non-government organisation (NGO) Right to Care will be bringing their Me1st campaign to the BCM area this week in order to raise awareness about HIV prevention for men who have sex with men (MSM).

Partnering with Right to Care is the Social Health & Empowerment Coalition of Transgender Women while funding is provided by the Global Fund to Fight Aids, tuberculosis and malaria.

The main purpose of the Me1st campaign is to identify as many HIV-positive MSM as possible and link them to antiretroviral therapy and care. The campaign will provide free confidential testing for HIV as well as a safe environment where MSM can share their experiences and ask questions. According to Right to Care, 19% of the general population in SA suffer from HIV. However, in men who have sex with men, the prevalence is actually 27%.

“The Me1st activations have demonstrated a higher volume of MSM testing for HIV than usual and MSM who test with us know they can access safe spaces for health services,” Social Health & Empowerment Coalition programme manager Rose Ross said.

Me1st campaign provides a confidential hotline at www.Me1st.co.za which is staffed 24/7 by qualified counsellors. A WhatsApp line is also available at 072-637-6212.

“Our strong relationship with the department of health has also ensured that many public clinics across the country are sensitised towards the MSM community and provide free, confidential and judgement-free HIV and sexually transmitted infection (STI) screening and treatment,” programme manager for the Global Fund Ian Hove said.

Me1st will at the following venues from 10am to 4.30pm:

● Amalinda Complex at Old Boxer rank, East London on March 7;

● Ziphunzana circles in Scenery Park Main on Friday March 8;

● Ginsberg Rank, King William's Town on Saturday March 9; and

● Bhisho Busy Corner, Berlin rank on Sunday March 10

Contact Khanyisa Qoto at qotokhanyisa@gmail.com or 079-955-7464.