Looking back at 2011

Health4Men had a very busy and successful 2011. With the new year already on the move, we would like to take a moment to share some of our achievements during 2011.

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 Updated MSM training guide available now

An updated version of the MSM in your pocket training guide has been released.
This pocket-size reference manual provides all the information healthcare workers need in order to render competent services to men who have sex with men (MSM).

As Africa’s leader in health services for MSM, Health4Men has embarked on an intense training programme to promote access to healthcare by this marginalised population group. The MSM in your pocket guide augments our competency-based training programme targeting healthcare workers in public clinics in five provinces.

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 Health4Men Connect taps into cellphone technology

Health4Men’s ground-breaking mobi site provides access to important sexual health information specifically for MSM who may not have access to the Internet.

It includes information for both HIV positive and negative men. The site is unique in that men can post questions to the Health4Men team and see responses on their cell phones. Information on the site is based on Health4Men’s extensive expertise on sexual healthcare for MSM, including initiating Africa’s first two clinics dedicated to MSM sexual health.

In addition to finding information on HIV and STI prevention, MSM who access the site also have access to an array of information on HIV-related treatment issues. The site includes information on mental health and lifestyle questions, responsible sex and recreational drug abuse.

The mobi site has become particularly popular with men who don’t have access to the Internet via a computer, or who are in situations where they cannot access such information on the Internet due to a lack of privacy. User statistics regarding utilisation of the service indicate a clear need for easily accessible instant sexual health information. Over the past eight months h4m.mobi has recorded an impressive 76 916 hits.

To access the service, go to h4m.mobi. Alternatively send a ‘Please call me’ or sms your postal code to 071 212 5668 and you’ll receive a link to connect.

 A reminder of Health4Men services

Health4Men is an innovative project of the Anova Health Institute (www.anovahealth.co.za) addressing MSM’s diverse sexual health needs through free medical and psychosocial services specifically designed for gay, bisexual and straight-identifying men who have sex with men.

Check out our services, extended hours, support groups and training courses.

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 2011 World Aids Day challenge results!

For World Aids Day 2011, Health4Men set a challenge to tavern and shebeen owners we have partnered with both in Soweto and the Western Cape.

Participating venues competed for floating trophies by decorating their venues to commemorate World Aids Day, by promoting HIV awareness among their patrons and by making Health4Men condoms and water-based lubricant available on their premises. A total of 18 venues participated in this innovative event.

Click here to see photos of the event.

 What to look forward to in February 2012

•  A naughty surprise for the 'Get REDi for love' Valentine's Day campaign. In true Health4Men style, merging STI and HIV prevention messaging with creativity and innovation. Watch this space.
   
• Health4Men is constantly striving to expand our reach in order to serve more MSM in need of competent sexual health services. Latest developments include two new clinical sites for gay and bisexual men in central Johannesburg and Soweto, supported by PEPFAR through USAID.  Health4Men’s second clinic in Soweto, based at Zola Clinic, will open during January in partnership with the Gauteng Provincial Department of Health. In addition, Health4Men will initiate MSM competent services in central Johannesburg at the Yeoville clinic, in partnership with the City of Johannesburg.
   
• Health4Men in Cape Town is initiating a recreational drug-related harm reduction campaign. An essential organisational ethos of Health4Men relates to non-judgement of our clients. We prefer to focus on the realities of MSM’s lives, and on finding solutions to essential problems experienced by MSM. This includes reducing the harm caused by specific behaviours, such as recreational substance abuse. This campaign will be in partnership with Mainline, Amsterdam and funded by Aids Fonds.