|
Programs |
|||
|
|
||
Sexual behavior, STIs and HIV among men who have sex with men in Phnom Penh, Cambodia 2000 Philippe Girault, FHI/IMPACT, Cambodia Report prepared by Miche Rodolph and Sara Hersey
Funded by the United States Agency for International Development ( USAID ) through the IMPACT Project implemented by Family Health International. Cooperative Agreement HRN-A-00-97-00017-00 Foreword During the past few decades Cambodia has been through a series of rapid political and socio-economic changes. These include sexual behaviors and practices among both men and women. High population mobility, limited education, expanding contacts with the outside world and poverty have also made Cambodia vulnerable to the HIV epidemic. However, concerted efforts from government and NGO sectors in behavioral interventions among high risk and bridging populations, improved sexually transmitted infection (STI) case management and aggressive national condom social marketing have contributed to a recent decline of both HIV and other STIs. The year 2002 is the third consecutive year where surveillance records shows a reduction in HIV prevalence across all key high-risk groups included in the surveys, with estimated national prevalence at 2.6 and at 28.8 % among direct female sex workers. While the majority of HIV transmission in Cambodia is through heterosexual contacts, there remain some hidden sub-populations who practice high-risk behaviors and are vulnerable to HIV infection. As demonstrated by other countries in the region, one of the groups requiring attention is men who have sex with men (MSM). During 1999-2000 Family Health International in Cambodia, with support from the Ministry of Health and other colleague agencies, conducted a survey examining sexual behaviors, and prevalence of STI and HIV infections, among men who have sex with men in Phnom Penh. The results of the study were alarming in that HIV prevalence among the 206 men who participated in the survey was at 14.4%. This was about the same level of HIV prevalence as among indirect female sex workers recorded in that year. Although FHI had been supporting HIV/AIDS prevention among sex workers, including transgender individuals who are part of the MSM sub-population, since 1999, the findings of this study prompted the initiation of HIV/STI prevention interventions among men who have sex with men in early 2001. These interventions have been conducted through local NGOs where the focus is on safer sexual practices, knowledge about HIV/STI and linkages to appropriate STI treatment. We hope that this report will increase understanding and acceptance of men who have sex with men and will encourage all those involved in the response to HIV/AIDS in Cambodia to join hands in creating an environment where they can access appropriate services and openly be part of Cambodian society. Phnom Penh October 2002
Dr. Chawalit Natpratan <- Previous Next ->
|
|||
 |
|||
