New research is illuminating the activities and risks of male sex workers in southern Africa, PlusNews reports. Researchers at the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and South Africa’s Sex Workers Education and Advocacy Taskforce (SWEAT) interviewed 70 male sex workers in Kenya, Namibia, South Africa, Uganda and Zimbabwe. The interviewees reported that unprotected sex was common in their profession for a number of reasons, including the unavailability of condom-compatible water-based lubricants, higher fees for unprotected sex, physically abusive clients, and alcohol and drug abuse. Those who visited hospitals and clinics for HIV testing and treatment also reported being mocked and publicly stigmatized by health workers.

To read the PlusNews article, click here.