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MSM in China – general situation

★ It is believed that there are about 20 million MSM in China.

★ Majority are married or will get married

★ In China, major causes of HIV transmission are through IDU, Blood Plasma Donation and Transfusion recipients. The numbers of transmissions through sexual activities is increasing.

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MSM in China – general situation

★ HIV Infection rate among MSM is about 2-5% according to different studies in different cities.

★ About 20% MSM report often using condoms in recent studies

★ 20-50% MSM report never using condom in recent studies

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Early work

★ In 1992, some health workers initiated HIV/AIDS education among MSM, and suggested that NGOs working with MSM should play a essential role in the prevention and control of HIV/AIDS among this population.

★ In 1994, Beijing Aizhi Action Project was created and has worked on MSM health and LGBT rights campaign in China.

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Government Action Plan

★ In 2001, MoH began to develop HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment programmes wth a focus of government leadership, multi-sector cooperation and public participation.

★ In 2005, the MoH required the China CDC Working Team for Intervention among High-risk Populations begin health interventions among MSM

爱知行动

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CBOs/NGOs working with MSM

★MSM health working groups have been established in almost all provinces, large cities and autonomous regions. The groups include MSM, friends, health professionals and law experts. The number of such MSM groups is currently around 100

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Role of Government

What role does the government play in the development of MSM NGOs?

★ Policy support: weak, not neutral.

★ Financial support: lack, no transparency.

★ Technical support: weak, not sensitive.

★ Administrative support: control or support?

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Activities of CBOs/NGOs

★ Hotline services: many of these

★ Outreach and peer education: active, but lack provision of condoms and lubricant and good quality educational materials

★ Social cultural events: active

★ Care for people with HIV/AIDS: weak

★ Policy advocacy: weak

★ Legal aid: weak but there is strong need

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Global Fund support

★ Round 3: MSM not included, but very small grants distributed to some MSM groups in Central China.

★ Round 4: MSM not included, but very small grants distributed to some MSM groups in West China.

★ Round 5: MSM were included

★ Round 6: Recently submitted, MSM are included

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Challenges

★ Lack of funding

★ Lack of legal status

★ NGO infrastructure and capacity building

★ NGO cooperation and competition

★ Government control: politically, economically

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Police harassment

★ Against gay bars

★ Against gay Ssaunas

★ Against MSM groups

★ Against social activities

★ Against men who sell sex

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BEIJING AIZHIXING INSTITUTE

www.aizhi.net

Thanks