Due to the complexities of the issues of MSM and HIV/AIDS there is a tremendous need for counselors to be trained to provide adequate, sensitive and confidential services to the MSM community.
Men who have male sexual partners are often the target of discrimination due to their perceived abnormal identities and sexualities. This discrimination results in a lack of access to health care and other social resources, increasing their susceptibility to health risks such as HIV. In addition, it is difficult to support MSM and to care for those infected with HIV. A "Masters Training of Trainers Program" will provide sensitivity training for counselors.
NI will conduct a cycle of 3 workshops in three Indian states: a 3-day workshop on sex & sexuality, gender & HIV/AIDS; a 3-day workshop on testing & counseling; and a workshop that follows up on the first two, after 3 months.
The program reaches out to agencies working on AIDS-related issues, such as health, sexuality & human rights, and helps them integrate AIDS work into their programs. It will reduce the stigma surrounding AIDS & MSM and help prevent discrimination.
This project has provided additional documentation in a Microsoft Word file (projdoc.doc).
