Health Facilities Deny Gay Men TB Treatment
Over the past four years, the consolidated efforts of multiple partners have achieved important results for the key populations in Malawi.
BLANTYRE, Malawi — Joseph (not his real name) and three other men identifying as gay in Blantyre said they were denied access to TB drugs at Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital in October after staff realized their sexual orientation, facing stigma and discrimination in their personal lives and healthcare, writes Meclina Chirwa.
Joseph said he was diagnosed with TB in August 2023, but started facing problems in his second month of treatment when he was "embarrassed and exposed at the hospital," also affecting his social life.
"We are living in a very dangerous and cruel society," Joseph said.
"We were sent away from the hospital, told we should find another hospital where gay men access medical services. Since then, we've turned into a laughingstock because now everyone knows we're gay."
But this is not all, he says.
"Staying here is not safe. There's nobody to protect us," he said.
"Discrimination against us comes in many forms, from bullying to being denied healthcare. Protesting for our rights is also a challenge because we are suppressed."
Joseph said he and his friends have been afraid to visit any health facilities since the October incident, and have been unable to access TB treatment since then. "You know what it means to default TB drugs," he said.
Charles (not his real name), also denied treatment, said "It's unfortunate we're being treated this way. Everyone has the right to life, including the LGBTQ community. Why reject us?"
Charles said he was diagnosed with TB in July 2023 and started treatment the same month. But during his third month of treatment, he accompanied Joseph to the hospital and was also denied access.
"We came as a couple, instead of assisting us, they started asking too many complicated questions which attracted attention from others who know us," Charles said. "Why reject us from the facility? Is it a crime to be a gay person?"
Charles said he and his friends now face abuse and harassment even going to the market.
"It is not safe at all. We do not know how we can be assisted, but we are thinking of moving out of this area and going where our rights can be respected," he said.
Human rights activist Michael Kaiyatsa, executive director of the Center for Human Rights and Rehabilitation, called the denial of treatment "quite sad."
"It is wrong for some health professionals to be treating gay people in this way," Kaiyatsa said.
"Our constitution is very clear that discrimination in any form is prohibited and all people including gay people are protected from discrimination."
Harold Kachepatsonga with the Malawi Network of Religious Leaders Living with or Personally Affected by HIV and AIDS also criticized the treatment.
"This is uncalled for. As MANERELA+, we cannot just fold our hands and watch. We will do something to protect our brothers," Kachepatsonga said.
District TB officer Lackson Namuku Gama said the health office had not received any reports of discrimination.
"As a district we provide TB services regardless of race or social groups," Gama said.
"So far we are hearing it from you as a reporter but the office of DHO Blantyre."
Health activist Maziko Matenda said, "There is need to dig deep and find out what key populations are experiencing when accessing medical treatment. We need to intensify monitoring and ensure everyone is accessing medication without problems."
However, Malawi has made important progress in addressing the needs of key populations as a priority within its National HIV Prevention Strategy of 2025-2030.
Over the past four years, the consolidated efforts of multiple partners have achieved important results for the key populations in Malawi.