me1stSA

Today we commemorate International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia & Biphobia! Me1st is proud to be fighting stigma against MSM in the healthcare system and is committed to providing free HIV and sexual health services to MSM in South Africa!

Event: AfroQueer IDAHOBIT Festival Direction: Live on the @AFROQUEERPODCAST page streaming on Instagram Live Date: May 17th 2020 Time: Starts at 1PM East African Time

You can celebrate under lockdown! Join the OFFICIAL African live streaming event featuring creative Queer artists from the continent and beyond. Expect music, poetry and talks from various artists including Dope Saint Jude, Alasarah, Jojo Abot and many more.

Looking forward to celebrating International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia & Biphobia!

You can still get HIV and STI testing through Me1st. Contact us to make an appointment for self tests with peer workers: bit.ly/34riMam

Isolation, lockdown, social distancing, illness – we all have a lot to deal with right now. If you are feeling anxious, stigmatised or vulnerable, please reach out for support. Call 0800 567 567 or get in touch with your nearest Me1st peer worker: bit.ly/34riMam

If you have been a victim of gender-based violence, sexual assault or intimate partner violence, help is available even during the lockdown. Contact the national GBV command centre hotline. If you need more support, visit: bit.ly/34riMam

Be mindful of what you need for adhering to your PrEP and ARV treatment. Keep and reserve of food and fresh water. If you need more support, visit: bit.ly/34riMam

It is important to keep yourself safe and avoid becoming infected with the Coronavirus. Follow these prevention measures. For additional support, visit: bit.ly/34riMam

If you are worried about running out of PrEP, ARV or any STI treatment medication, we can help. Getting advance scripts will also mean that you don’t have to leave home during the lockdown period. Contact us so that we can help you get your medication: bit.ly/34riMam

Our partner clinics are available for HIV testing. Contact us to arrange a test and visit: bit.ly/34riMam

Put yourself first by not being afraid to ask the hard questions. Check out our collection of serious questions – and contact us if you have any questions that are not listed here: me1st.co.za/rock-hard-ques…

PrEP is recommended for anyone with multiple sexual partners, anyone with a partner who tested positive or anyone who is having anal and/or vaginal intercourse without the protection of a condom. Get PrEP from your nearest Me1st affiliated clinic: me1st.co.za

Me1st is proud to be partnered with Free State Rainbow Seeds. They provide #Me1st health services in the Free State including HIV & STI screening, PrEP & PEP, condoms & lube. Find your nearest clinic & to book an appointment online: bit.ly/2tSAq90

TB is preventable and curable. Yet, too many people in South Africa still suffer from this disease. It’s time to end TB – get tested and linked to care at your nearest Me1st Clinic > bit.ly/2tSAq90

The Coronavirus outbreak means that is more important than to be aware of your HIV status. Get tested and if positive, you’ll be initiated on ARVs. Get tested at your nearest Me1st clinic: me1st.co.za

I put #Me1st > bit.ly/2DTmJds

Happy Human Rights Day to all South Africans!

Key population groups who are HIV positive, are likely at higher COVID-19 risk, particularly if they are not on antiretroviral treatment, due to compromised immune systems and low CD4 counts. This includes MSM. Keep yourself safe by following these prevention measures:

Me1st urges MSM to reduce the risk of acquiring COVID-19 and other respiratory infections by prioritising testing and treatment. Read the full article here: me1st.co.za/2020/03/12/hiv…