Although MSM are twice as likely as likely to have HIV than the general population of South Africa (Smart 2), there is still very limited information about HIV pertaining to MSM. Those who are not the focus of discussion are continually marginalized and sidelined, pushing MSM and LGBT people out of the way to spotlight heterosexual men and women (Dworkin 617). Although HIV/AIDS is a highly stigmatized topic for all those who suffer from the disease, as it represents for many the taboo of pre-marital and extra-marital sex, as well as homosexuality. In the beginning of the epidemic, "most of the early cases of AIDS diagnosed in South Africa were among white MSM who had traveled internationally, and who had a history of sexual contact with men from other countries" (Rispel 135)

 

Stigma and homophobia hurts LGBT people and MSM in all aspects of care. There is a high burden of disease, extremely high percentages of fatality, and litle response on the part of the governments and public health campaigns. Many MSM have been looking for better care through non-conventional methods, which do not always have the proven efficacy as anti-retroviral HIV drugs. Public health officials and political leaders have continually called for more information and faster progress of combating the disease and helping those who suffer from both the illness and the social stigma, but not much is changing at the current rate. 

 

"In 2007, at three meetings - a same-sex sexuality conference, a high level meeting with the deputy Minister of Health on the National Strategic Plan's research prioities, and the third South African AIDS conference - the lack of information on MSM and the LGBT communities was emphasized and epidemiological and social science research was called for. Two years down the line, there has been little progress. Many factors contribute to this continuing knowledge gap, including societal and community denial, stigma, discrimination, and human rights abuses."

(Rispel 136)