hiv/aids and homosexuality in chad - case of man who have sex with men in prison

Abstract

By: A Ngareyasse1, T Ngarnay1, D Ngarandji2, T A Ganone2
1Center for screeming test, Ndjamena, Chad; 2Prison Warden, Am timan, Chad

Issues
Homosexuality in Chad is considered as a taboo subject, an immoral practice, uncalled for. It is difficult to talk about it and to sense the realities bound to it. Practice illegally, homosexuality is systematically rejected. Our observations have enabled us to notice the facts related to the treatment of homosexuals and hazards that might arise as it has to do with HIV/AIDS, specially in confined areas as a prison.

Description

Step 1.
- a Gay professional and rich is detained in a prison in Am timan*
- He has several sexual intercourse non protected with seven other prisoners
- Several times caught red handed, hooded in public by prison wardens and other prisoners.. they have been finally isolated.

Step 2.
- The gay professional was causing sicknesses almost chronic ones, repeated diarrhea, losing weight, and so on…after undergoing a test he was found to be HIV positive
- some months later, his partners get the same similar sicknesses
- After going through the test, they were found to be HIV positive too.

Step 3.
-The gay professional dies as a result of his opportunist diseases
- His seven partners die as a result of their sickness some months later. Conclusion
- A man contaminated 7 others through sexual intercourse non protected
- 8 men are therefore dead as a result of HIV/AIDS

3. Lessons learned
- Non availability of condoms in prison
- Vulnerability of detained youths involved in occasional homosexuality
- Discrimination and stigmatization of homosexuals

Recommendations´
- training of peers educationists and prison wardens on the problems of sexual minority rights and people living with HIV
- setting up global management units

Am timan* is a city situated on South East of Chad

Abstract from XV International Aids Comference, Bangkok 11 - 16 July 2004
(source: International Aids Society)