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This discussion outlines the strategic measures at the community level to address increased prevalence of HIV cases among Caucasian, African American and Latino gay men. Although the prevalence among African American is higher in comparison to the other groups, addressing the health challenge in a holistic manner is inevitable. The essay covers measures to address the problem, evaluates additional information necessary to come up with appropriate interventions and eventually establishes other segments in the community to be involved in developing the interventions.
Community involvement in the fight against the spread of HIV/AIDS has played a critical role since the onset of this epidemic three decades ago (Bourne, et al., 2013). Increased awareness among the most at risk populations in respect to HIV transmission ensures preventative measures are adhered to for example, the use of condoms and Pre-exposure prophylaxis (Prep) therapy. Further, the introduction of platforms for volunteers and activists to come up, especially from target gay community will enhance educational, preventative and care activities at the community level (de Wit, Prestage & Duffin, 2010). The individuals have a clear understanding of the HIV problem and its dynamics, as well as the challenges within the community, and thus, are best placed to come up with the best approaches for resolving the crisis. Generally, increased awareness on the risk of unprotected sexual behavior with multiple partners ensures protective measures are enhanced to mitigate the transmission (Purcell, et al., 2014).
Purcell et al. (2014) state that, status knowledge among gay men is an effective strategy towards introduction of biomedical preventative measures for curbing the transmission of HIV. Information necessary to come up with crucial interventions for reducing HIV prevalence among gay men in the community involves evaluating the availability of testing and counseling centers. Further, presence of healthcare facilities and personnel like, social workers to help both the infected and affected in the community is critical to enhance access to quality care (de Wit, Prestage & Duffin, 2010). Subsequently, working with gay couples will ensure critical introduction of preventative measures to bring down the transmission of HIV among primary sexual partners (Purcell, et al., 2014).
Community health workers, social workers and gay activists within the community are an ideal target population to be included in the creation and implementation of the interventions (Bourne, et al., 2013). Healthcare workers possess recommended health standards for HIV prevention, with social workers having the capacity to identify the community health challenges among the gay community. Finally, the gay activists will outline the life challenges facing gay men that lead to increased HIV prevalence. The views are critical in coming up with strategic steps for effectively addressing the HIV prevalence menace. On the same note, presence of individuals with a clear understanding of the HIV health issues, gay life challenges and the stigma attached to both aspects will ensure strategic introduction of measures to promote awareness and initiate critical preventative measures (de Wit, Prestage & Duffin, 2010).
In conclusion, to effectively address the high prevalence of HIV among gay men within the population, three aspects stand out and they involve, introduction of critical measures to enhance awareness, preventative measures, as well as increased supply of anti-retroviral therapy to the infected clients. Further, improved gay men health and sexual behavior through encouraging of HIV testing and practicing safe sex is necessary. This will increasingly reduce the high prevalence and rate of infections.
References
Bourne, A., Hammond, G., Hickson, F., Reid, D., Schmidt, A.J. and Weatherburn, P. (2013). What constitutes the best sex life for gay and bisexual men? Implications for HIV prevention. BMC Public Health, 13, 1083. Doi: 10.1186/1471-2458-13-1083.
de Wit, J.B., Prestage, G.P. and Duffin, I.R. (2010). Gay men: Current challenges and emerging approaches in HIV prevention. NSW Public Health Bull, 21(3-4), 65-68.
Purcell, D.W., Mizuno, Y., Smith, D.K., Grabbe, K., Courtnay-Quick, C., Tomlison, H. and Mermin, J. (2014). Incorporating couple-based approaches into HIV prevention for gay and bisexual men: Opportunities and challenges. Arch sex Behav, 43(1), 35-46.
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