Controlling HIV infections: Not much to do with Section 377A

I refer to the article, "Calling for repeal of 377A, Action for Aids says law has negative impact on HIV prevention" (Sept 18).

The need for early testing and intervention for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections is important.

However, the claim that repealing 377A will help to control HIV and sexually transmitted infections needs further examination.

The Asian Internet MSM Sex Survey was done between 2009 and 2010. Data was analysed from the responses of 4,310 men who have sex with men (MSM), from member states of the Association of South-east Asian Nations (Asean), including Singapore.

Among those who never went for HIV screening before, the main barriers include the perception of HIV exposure as being low risk, concerns related to the stigma of carrying the HIV, not knowing where to get tested, financial concerns and the dislike of needles.

In 2014, AFA did an online survey among men who have sex with men in Singapore. It looked into the reasons for never having a HIV test. The common reasons given were not knowing where to get tested, afraid of finding out, not wanting the Government to know, perception of low risk of infection, inability to afford HIV treatment, and the dislike of needles.

In both surveys, the fear of being prosecuted or discrimination for engaging in homosexual sex was not mentioned. The fears mentioned pertained mainly to HIV.

This is despite the surveys being done in Singapore and Asean, where laws against homosexual sex exist.

From this, it appears that among men who have sex with men, Section 377A is not a barrier to early HIV testing.

In Singapore, HIV testing and treatment are available to all without judgement or prosecution, regardless of sexual orientation.

Moreover, there has been no known prosecutions under Section 377A for homosexual men who sought testing and treatment for HIV and sexually transmitted diseases.

The Government has also publicly said that Section 377A will not be actively enforced.

For the above reasons, repealing the law and encouraging more HIV testing and care are two separate issues.

HIV, especially among men who have sex with men, is an area of great concern. Efforts should continue to be directed at the real public health issues at hand, rather than Section 377A.