UNAIDS: HIV testing and treatment much lower in men than women

According to analysis by UNAIDS, in 2020 testing and treatment targets were almost reached for adult women (aged 15 and above) living with HIV. However, amongst men, these figures were significantly lower.

Compared to women living with HIV, there are 740 000 more men living with HIV who do not know their HIV status, 1.3 million more men who are not on treatment and 920 000 more men who are not virally suppressed.

According to experts at UNAIDS there could be several, compounding, reasons for the disparity in these figures.

Firstly, the influence of societal gender norms. Traditional gender norms say that men should be strong, virile and resilient. Seeking help, even medical assistance, may be seen as a sign of weakness.

Secondly, HIV health care services in many countries are targeted at women of reproductive age, pregnant women, mothers and young girls - often women are diagnosed and enter care during antenatal care. There aren’t always equivalent entry points for men.

Homophobia is also a barrier to testing and care, with men who have sex with men not choosing to come forward for testing and treatment. This can be due to not identifying as “gay” or “bisexual”, or for fear of being seen accessing services. In several countries criminalisation of sex between men has also meant that services that supported them with testing and treatment have been closed down or are subject to attacks.

Recommendations from UNAIDS to improve testing and treatment amongst men include workplace initiatives, promotion of self-testing, and placing HIV services in more outpatient settings.

Experts have said that more detailed studies into the reasons men are less likely to seek help could identify effective new measures to help reduce the spread of HIV.