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HIV Rates Rise for Gays, Ignored by World Programs

Targeted by 1% of prevention funds

By Sam Biddle,  Newser Staff

Posted Aug 10, 2008 6:21 AM CDT

(Newser) – Even as fewer people are dying from AIDS, new HIV infections continue to rise at alarming rates among the global gay and bisexual population, who are tageted by less than 1% of the $669 million spent on prevention worldwide, AP reports. In 86 nations, homosexual sex is considered a crime, and in seven countries it's punishable by death, according to the Foundation for AIDS Research,

It's  "very difficult" to provide services to gays "in countries that don't acknowledge they exist or criminalize them," explained one expert. Some organizations now avoid using words like “gay" or "homosexual" to skirt cultural shame connected to the labels in order to save lives. "That's why the word homosexual is not used," said a health director in India. "If anyone asks a man that, he will slap you."

A gay couple attends a demonstration against homophobia in Mexico City earlier this month.
A gay couple attends a demonstration against homophobia in Mexico City earlier this month.   (AP Photo/Eduardo Verdugo)
Mexican federal official Jorge Saavedra revealed yesterday he was gay in the midst of an impassioned speech before the International AIDS Conference.
Mexican federal official Jorge Saavedra revealed yesterday he was gay in the midst of an impassioned speech before the International AIDS Conference.   (AP Photo/Marco Ugarte)
Mexican federal official Jorge Saavedra sadly holds a photo of his late partner Fernando.
Mexican federal official Jorge Saavedra sadly holds a photo of his late partner Fernando.   (AP Photo/Marco Ugarte)
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