Sexual Health of males in South Asia who have sex with other males

Situational assessments of males who have sex with males from 4 cities in India and Bangladesh 20008.3.7 Psycho-sexual counsellingThe assessments have one main recommendation that:• all sexual health centres have available trained counsellors who can offer nonjudgmental,appropriate and accurate advice, information and support about sex,sexuality and particularly issues related to male to male sex.6.3.8 The role of governments and donorsThe assessments see a critical role for government and recommend that governmentagencies:• should ensure that the appropriate recommendations listed above are implemented;• should review and amend laws, regulations and policies that stop males who have sexwith males accessing sexual health services, or discriminate against them throughintimidation, fear, harassment, violence, denial or the risk of imprisonment.• should provide training for all health care workers, police and the judiciary on issuesregarding males who have sex with males and their sexual health.• should develop and/or support advocacy programs for males who have sex with males toensure their individual human rights are being respected, and that those who areharassed or violently abused can seek legal redress.• play a lead role in encouraging and enabling the development of a peer-led communitybasedAIDS service organisation by investing in, and empowering them, to deliverappropriate STI/HIV prevention and sexual health services for males who have sex withmales including provision of:• long term financial support• technical assistance• capacity-building• legal and regulatory support17Situational assessments undertaken by Naz Foundation International, funded by FHI/Asia.Paper prepared for publication by JSI UK, funded by DFID India.