KENYA SHOULD PROMOTE THE RIGHT TO HEALTH OF SEXUAL MINORITIES

Sexual minorities, including men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender people, face high rates of HIV prevalence. However, many lack basic human rights protections and access to HIV services that would help reduce HIV infections and meet the 2006 commitment of member states to “ensure the full enjoyment of all human rights and fundamental freedoms by people living with HIV and members of vulnerable groups.”

MSM have not for long been recognized as an integral part of Kenya’s society. The society disapproval and criminalization of same sex relations in Kenya foster disclosure and minimal public health interest in MSM. As a result there has been paucity of information on health related risks that MSM are exposed to by their lifestyles, the prevention and health care strategies. Continued stigmatization and discrimination at heath care facilities, lack of confidentiality and capacity to accept the sexual minorities by health care workers deny them their right to the highest attainable standard of health as a fundamental human right.