Population Council Research that makes a difference

In Nigeria, men who have sex with men face widespread stigma and discrimination throughout the community, and even at the hands of health care workers.

Little focus has been given to men’s health and well-being in sub-Saharan Africa. The Population Council's Men’s Health Network Nigeria (MHNN) seeks to bring needed services to Nigeria. The Men’s Health Network Nigeria recognizes the importance of considering health from a male perspective, given that among the male population in the region there are unacknowledged groups with high-risk behaviors.

The target populations for current MHNN activities are those populations considered most at risk: men who have sex with men (MSM), uniformed personnel (police, customs, immigration, military), truck drivers, prisoners, and university students. There are high levels of stigmatization within the country concerning certain sexual behaviors, including same-sex sexual practices. As a result, the populations who are involved in such activities are hidden and do not receive appropriate HIV preventive messages. Although high-risk populations are the focus and target of initial MHNN activities, the vision of the project is to address the health needs related to sexual health and HIV transmission for all men.

Practical goals of the project are to increase knowledge and understanding of men's health issues, increase levels of preventive behaviors (e.g., use of condoms), and improve the capacity of health service providers to provide preventive goods, including drugs and services. These activities are carried out in a way that is sensitive, culturally appropriate, accessible to all men, hassle-free, and man-friendly.

To achieve these goals, the Men's Health Network Nigeria employs a social franchise model to increase the availability of high-quality HIV counseling and testing, sexually transmitted infection testing/syndromic management, pre-packaged therapy, and condoms/lubricant by harnessing both private- and public-sector providers.