HIV Pledge for Gay Men
posted: 15/11/2010
Gay men’s health charity GMFA has a new HIV awareness campaign. Count Me In asks gay men to make a five-point pledge to look after their own health, and not to assume they know the HIV status of other men. GMFA say that if every gay man in the UK kept the pledge, rates of HIV would fall dramatically.
Knowing about HIV and how condoms can stop transmission are key parts of any prevention strategy. However, knowing is not enough. We must also deal with the things that help spread HIV and discourage effective and consistent condom use. GMFA believes that three of the main causes of HIV infection among gay men in the UK are:
- Mistaken stereotypes of gay men with HIV and taking sex risks based on those mistaken stereotypes
- Men not knowing their own HIV status because of not testing regularly
- Poor mental and emotional wellbeing affecting sexual risk-taking.
For more information on these, visit the campaign at the GMFA blog OutSpokenOnHealth.com
It is these three things that discourage men from using condoms consistently and taking responsibility for their sexual health and behaviour.
Matthew Hodson at GMFA, said: “This isn’t just about what we can do around World AIDS Day – it’s what we can all do on an ongoing basis to stop the spread of HIV in our community.
“We’re delighted that so many have recognised the importance of what we’re trying to achieve and have joined us in the campaign. With their support, we hope to encourage gay men to re-commit to tackling the virus and to make a real difference.”
Gay Men's HIV Pledge:
- I will know my HIV status
- I will not assume I know someone else’s HIV status
- I will take personal responsibility for using condoms
- I will value myself and my health
- I will stay informed about HIV and how it is spread
Sign the Pledge
To sign the pledge and find out more please visit the gmfa Count Me In campaign blog
Permalink