They have a right to care
JOHANNESBURG – The Me1st campaign is about putting MSMs wellbeing above everything else.
Right to Care announced on 29 November that they would soon launch their #Me1st campaign targeted at men who have sex with other men (MSM).
Right to Care is a non-profit organisation that supports and delivers prevention, care, and treatment services for HIV and associated diseases.
The campaign is aimed at creating awareness and addressing issues that the MSM community face such as discrimination and stigma when seeking help in the healthcare sector. The campaign seeks to also encourage people to go out and get tested as this community is disproportionally affected by HIV.
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender/Transsexual and Intersexed advocate Phumlani Kango said many of these men were not going to get tested for fear of being stigmatised or discriminated against.
He added that Right to Care and its NGO partners were committed to supporting this community and provided access to information and free healthcare that was discreet, confidential, free of discrimination and administered by qualified professionals.
Kango said the #Me1st campaign was about putting this community’s wellbeing above everything else, and it was also about them living their truth and about living life on their terms.
“I am truly excited to be part of this campaign and what it stands for,” he said.
“The MSM community is one that is not understood by the public and I believe this campaign will assist in that, most importantly MSMs will have access to quality health care without judgement.”
Right to Care has partnered with clinics across the country that provide 100 per cent confidential and discreet HIV and STI screening in an understanding, judgement free environment.
Ian Ralph, group chief operations officer of Right to Care said campaigns such as the #ME1st campaign were critical in ensuring that no one was discriminated against from accessing health care because of how they identified or who they chose to partner with.
“HIV affects us all and everyone should have access to proper healthcare without any fear of discrimination or stigma,” he said.
“Every day that goes by when somebody is HIV infected is a day that risks the health of their sexual partners.”
Details: www.me1st.co.za
