Men Who Have Sex with Men: An Introductory Guide for Health Workers in Africa

Published by the Desmond Tutu HIV Foundation, this manual highlights issues that are specific to men who have sex with men (MSM) and provides additional training relevant for addressing this population group. The publication is designed for HIV counsellors and other health workers who work in Africa and have varying degrees of expertise in addressing issues related to MSM. The contributors hope that this manual will provide counsellors and health care providers with the insight and skills necessary to discuss MSM behaviours among their clients and provide counselling services that adequately cater to the unique needs of MSM in an African context.

The book is divided into various modules, each beginning with a brief summary of what is covered in the module. Basic information, important facts, and skills are included, as well as exercises and reflection tasks to provide an opportunity for personal reflection and to assess the counsellor’s knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs. The case studies are based on real experiences and are meant to provide an opportunity for participants to practice newly learned skills and knowledge.

The book contains the following modules:

• Module 1: MSM and HIV in sub-Saharan Africa
• Module 2: Stigma
• Module 3: Sexual identity, coming out and disclosure
• Module 4: Anal sex and common sexual practises
• Module 5: HIV and Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)
• Module 6: Mental Health: anxiety, depression, and substance abuse
• Module 7: Condom and lubricant use
• Module 8: Risk reduction counselling