Health4Men is a non-profit organisation rendering free sexual health services to men, with an emphasis on targeting men at higher risk of HIV infection. Such men include gay-identifying men and other men who have sex with other men, male commercial sex workers and male intravenous drug users. A project of Anova Health Institute and sponsored by American donors USAID / PEPFAR, Health4Men works in partnership with the Western Cape Department of Health.
Services are provided through the Health4Men office in Greenpoint, and the project’s clinic based in Woodstock, the Ivan Toms Centre for Men’s Health.
New initiatives announced by Health4Men are as follows:
- RESPONSIBLE SEX PROMOTION BY GAY VENUES
The influx of gay visitors to Cape Town during the December / January period, and in terms of preparing for the influx of gay tourists in the build-up to the 2010 World Cup, Health4Men is encouraging gay venues in the city to assume responsibility for addressing HIV and other STIs.
To this end the organisation is making free condoms and lubricant sachets, as well as fact sheets, posters and public health notices, available to gay venues such as clubs, bars, taverns, guest houses and sex venues. “The gay business sector needs to assume more responsibility for helping us address HIV in the community. It is no longer acceptable that, in the light of the prevalent HIV pandemic and gay men being at particular risk of infection, gay venues refuse to promote responsible sex. Responsible sex messaging needs to be made prominently visible and available, along with condoms and water-based lubricants”, says Glenn de Swardt, Health4Men’s psychosocial manager. He explained that an inconsistent supply of condoms, often relegated to the toilet, were unacceptable: “Gay venues are playing a significant role in perpetuating the collective denial of HIV and need to be held accountable for their attitudes. They’re very happy to accept ‘pink money’ from patrons, but they also need to start looking after their patrons’ best interests. They could be making a significant difference.”
De Swardt added that Health4Men will support any business serving the gay community by supplying free condoms and water-based lubricant for their patrons. In addition, the organisation has initiated an annual award for the gay venue that is most pro-active in promoting responsible sex. Representatives of the gay business sector will be invited to attend a briefing meeting to explain the campaign.
- EXTENDED SERVICE HOURS:
In order to provide increased access to HIV screening during the December / January season in Cape Town, characterised by a marked increase in visitors to the city, the Greenpoint venue will remain open until 20h00 (8:00 pm) Monday to Friday. The venue will also offer services between 10h00 and 12h30 (10:00 am and 12:30 pm) on Saturdays and between 14h00 and 16h00 (2:00 pm and 4:00 pm) on Sundays. The Green Point venue is located in the heart of Cape Town’s “gay village” precinct and is specifically targeting gay and bisexual men for HIV-related screening and PEP (post exposure prophylaxisis) in the event of high-risk exposure to HIV infection.
It is noted that Cape Town is one of the most popular domestic and international gay tourist destinations during the December / January period and Health4Men is responding to a need for increased sexual health services among the gay community. “We are confident that the gay community will welcome these extended service hours”, said Glenn de Swardt, Health4Men’s psychosocial manager. He noted that if someone does screen positive for HIV, free medical management and treatment are provided by the organisation, including free CD4 counts and ARV treatment as needed.
Both the Green Point office and the Ivan Toms Centre for Men’s Health will remain fully functional during the festive season, only closing on official public holidays.
- SEMINAR ON RECREATIONAL SUBSTANCE ABUSE AMONG GAY MEN:
Health4Men will host a seminar, addressing the prevalent high levels of recreational drug and alcohol abuse among Cape Town’s gay and bisexual male community on 9 December at 19h00 (7:00 pm) at Health4Men’s seminar venue, 24 Napier Street (top floor), De Waterkant. Participants will include the Medical Research Council, the Cape Town Drug Counselling Centre, the Department of Psychiatry at Groote Schuur Hospital and the Health4Men team. The panel will address the abuse of substances such as crystal methamphetamine, and their impact on HIV and other STIs.
For more information on any of the above please call Health4Men on 021 425 6463 (Greenpoint office) or email info@health4men.co.za
Issued by Health4Men, 14 Cobern Street, Greenpoint
www.health4men.co.za
Telephone 021 425 6463
Facsimile 021 418 6095
Contact person: Glenn de Swardt (project co-leader / psychosocial manager)
