Health 4 Men

The Health4Men project was launched on the 1st March 2009. It is a program of PHRU and is aimed at men in underserved populations, including MSM and unemployed young men, and is the first large-scale program specifically geared to get HIV-related messaging to the MSM community. David Furnish from the Elton John Foundation and Zackie Achmat from TAC were at the press conference and endorsed the project. One clinic is located in the Gay Village, in Cobern Street, Green Point. This clinic offers men free HIV tests, screening for sexually transmitted infections, and counseling. The second clinic is attached to Woodstock Hospital and offers the same services but also antiretroviral treatment. The team is headed by Kevin Rebe, a specialist HIV physician and Glenn de Swardt, a leading expert on gay issues. The Cape Town Health4Men project offers a package of care that includes medical care and psycho-social counseling. The Western Cape Department of Health partners with PHRU on this project and provide it with all the drugs and laboratory tests. Overall the Health4Men project has been receiving positive recognition in local newspapers. This has advertised the project encouraging people to come forward and seek the necessary care they deserve.

Ivan Toms centre for men’s health

The Ivan Toms Centre for Men’s health is a clinic of health4Men, a project addressing the diverse sexual health needs of men. The centre provides free services designed specifically for men, including men who have sex with men. The clinic offers a discreet and relaxed environment.

Dr. Ivan Toms is renowned for his political and medical services to the community, both as an activist against apartheid and his bold stance in establishing health services in disadvantaged communities. Dr. Toms was a founding member of the ‘End Conscription Campaign’ and rose to become the executive director of Health of the city of Cape Town. He was a proudly gay man and advocated for the rights of disadvantaged or marginalized groups, including men who have sex with men.

All services are free of charge in order to meet the needs of men unable to ulilize the private sector, and confidentiality is guaranteed.
Free services include:

• Sexual health checkups
• HIV related counselling, resting, monitoring and treatment. Including access to free ARV treatment.
• CD4 and viral load testing
• Consultations and treatment for STI’s
• Vaccinations against viral STI’s
• Supply of condoms and free water-based lubrication.

The Ivan Toms Centre for Men’s health offers a holistic approach to mens health. Support services are offered to augment our medical services, including the following:

• Individual and same sex couple counseling
• A range of support groups, including groups for men living with HIV
• Regular seminars and talks addressing topical issues related to men’s sexual and psychological health.
• Production of specialized messaging targeting men’s health needs
• Responsible sex campaigns.

“The Simon Nkoli Centre for Men’s Health at the New Nurses Home at Baragwanath Hospital, Soweto, will officially be opening in September 2009! Watch this space. This is a new PHRU initiative which will hopefully attract men of all ages to test and lead healthy lives. Simon Nkoli was an anti-apartheid, gay rights, and AIDS activist. This new centre for Men in Soweto is dedicated to his memory.”