Male sex workers vulnerable to HIV/AIDS

HIV/AIDS programmes targeting Africa's male sex workers are "lagging behind" and virtually non-existent, a new study has found.

The International Centre for Reproductive Health (ICRH) study said male sex workers were unable to access services addressing HIV/AIDS because of the silence and denial surrounding their work.

A researcher for the study, Aruma Chinebuah, said key barriers included official denial about the existence of male sex workers, social marginalisation and a lack of information about their needs and concerns.

Hostile and discriminatory attitudes from health care professionals, and a poor knowledge of HIV/AIDS among the workers further increased their chances of infection, the study noted.

"The psychological impact of sex work, whether male or female, can definitely not be ignored. This group suffers from low self-esteem and support services need to take this into account," the ICRH's Mark Hawden confirmed.