Alarming Africa male gay HIV rate

A recent research published in research in medical journal the Lancet reveals that HIV rates among gay men in some African countries are 10 times higher than among the general male population.

The report said prejudice towards gay people was leading to isolation and harassment, which in turn led to risky sexual practices among gay communities. But the risks are not limited to gay men, as many of the infected also have female sexual partners.

The Oxford University researchers found that the prevalence of HIV/Aids among gay men in sub-Saharan African has been “driven by cultural, religious and political unwillingness to accept [gay men] as equal members of society”.

The report recommendation is for greater education and resources in the fight against HIV.