23 Jan 06

Gay men with HIV who catch another STI, such as Hepatitis, run the risk of reducing their treatment options and even their life expectancy. The presence of some STIs can also make HIV positive men more infectious and more likely to transmit HIV to their partners.

The latest campaign from the gay men’s health charity GMFA sets out to inform HIV positive gay men of the possible health impacts of re-infection with another strain of HIV and co-infection with Hepatitis or other sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

The campaign, entitled ‘Double Trouble’ aims to encourage HIV positive gay men to take care of their sexual health.  It was developed by GMFA’s Positive Campaign Group, a group of volunteers working within GMFA to provide resources for HIV positive gay men.

Tim Molloy, Project Manager for Positive Campaign Group said, “Having HIV doesn’t mean that there is no longer any need to worry about taking care of your sexual health. Becoming co-infected with Hepatitis C for example can have a serious impact on heath and even life expectancy, and becoming re-infected with another strain of HIV could possibly have an impact on HIV progression and reduce HIV treatment options. ”

“With this campaign we hope that HIV positive gay men will be better placed to make informed choices about the sex they have, and know how to reduce the risk of re-infection and co-infections. We also hope that HIV positive gay men will be encouraged to look after their sexual health in other ways such as having regular sexual health check-ups and being vaccinated against Hepatitis B.”

The campaign consists of four press adverts and a leaflet which will be available to pick up from clinics, bars, clubs and saunas. The campaign offers information about the routes of transmission of Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, and other STIs, and the possible impact on health if co-infected with one of these sexually transmitted infections. It also offers information about re-infection and the possible impact on health of becoming infected with another strain of HIV. The campaign also provides contacts for further information and advice from THT Direct and NAM.

The campaign will run in the gay and positive press over the next eight months, and can also be viewed online at www.metromate.org.uk/doubletrouble