study shows high hiv prevalence also in lesbians

By Nthateng Mhlambiso (BTM Senior Reporter)

SOUTH AFRICA – March 7, 2008: Women who have sex with other women (WSW) were yesterday revealed to carry high prevalence of HIV in South Africa despite that it was known of them to have less HIV infection rate than gay men.

Preliminary research findings about HIV testing and HIV status between South African men who have sex with other men (MSM) and WSW was presented by a New York based research scientist, Theo Sandfort, in Tshwane.

Explaining from the Human Science Research Council’s (HSRC) offices, Sandfort said that the reasons vary from ‘corrective’ rape, unprotected intercourse and unprotected sex among WSW in provinces such as Gauteng, Western Cape and KwaZulu-Natal where the study was conducted.

The study shows that KwaZulu-Natal has the highest rate of HIV infection of WSW, followed by Gauteng, then the Western Cape. 

Most likely WSW who are positive are black compared to their white counterparts. The research also highlights that MSM have high rate of HIV infection regardless of race. Most MSM who are HIV positive are older, self employed and in committed or open relationships.

“This research brings more attention to women who have sex with women, which is an under researched and uninvestigated area. We learn through research, hence the research will encourage targeted interventions that will make a difference in the LGBTI community”, Juan Nel of Centre for Applied Psychology at Unisa explained.

Commending the research initiative, Vasu Reddy of Human Science Research Council (HSRC) said that the South African society needs to better understand the marginalised and hidden communities in it.

“While we have a wonderful constitution that protects sexual minorities, deep rooted prejudices still exist in our communities. LGBTI people are not visible but they are affected by HIV”, said Reddy.

While the research shows a number of both MSM and WSW who tested negative, many question the credibility of some foreign research that says MSM are at risk to contract HIV than WSW.