HIV and homosexuality in Pakistan

[Note: From Huso Yi, posted on msm-asia Google Group, 07 August 2008]

Dear all,

I'd like to share an article, "HIV and Homosexuality in Pakistan" published in the latest issue of the Lancet, which addressed the issues of HIV and homosexuality in Islamic cultures.

Rajabali A, Khan S, Warraich HJ, Khanani MR, Ali SH. HIV and homosexuality in Pakistan. Lancet Infect Dis. 2008 Aug;8(8):511-5.

In Pakistan, seven times more men are reported to be infected with HIV than women. Among the Pakistani population, modes of HIV transmission include infection through sexual contact, contaminated blood and blood products, injecting drug use, and mother-to-child transmission. Although most sexual transmission of HIV results from unsafe heterosexual contact, homosexual and bisexual contact also represent important modes of transmission. According to unpublished reports, the prevalence of HIV among homosexual and bisexual Pakistani men is reaching alarming proportions. We describe the Pakistani homosexual and bisexual culture, review statistics regarding HIV prevalence and risk behavior, and identify areas of improvement in the HIV policy with specific focus on men who have sex with men.

For those in Mexico City now, have a wonderful time! I didn't go to the AIDS conference in Mexico City this time to save money to participate in the 9th ICAAP in Indonesia next year. Hope to see you all there!

[Download PDF file here.]