WHO urges equal access to HIV services for gay men

[w8liftinglady]

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5hjNfwq-zzoHxC6hGuLNfdZXhN5SQ?docId=22d00e6dbbaa4ae483b2f5d7272f7ce8

GENEVA (AP) — The World Health Organization has urged governments to ensure gay men get equal access to HIV prevention and treatment services.

The U.N. health agency says men who have sex with men are among the groups worst hit by the HIV epidemic, but in many countries they face legal or practical discrimination accessing medical services.

The director of WHO's HIV department, Gottfried Hirnshall, says up to 40 percent of gay and bisexual men in some countries are HIV positive.

He says that figure can be as high as 68 percent among transgender populations.

Hirnshall told reporters in Geneva on Tuesday the recommendation to develop anti-discrimination laws is part of new guidelines WHO is issuing for governments, medical staff and gay men.