MAN-TO-MAN - SAFELY WORK

The Man-to-Man - Safely work is targeted at men who have sex with men. The work was initiated because the number of HIV infections acquired in sexual contacts between men has risen clearly in Finland in recent years. There were 62 such infections diagnosed in 2006, and 72 infections in 2007 which is a record-high figure. In year 2008 there were 42 infections between man to man sex.

The purpose of the work is to reduce the number of new HIV infections acquired in sexual contacts between men and to promote the sexual health of the target group in general. By providing reliable, readily available information about sex and promoting a positive attitude toward condoms, the members of the target group are encouraged to contemplate their sexual behavior and to take up safer sex habits.

Nowadays two full-time employees, and few volunteers are involved in the Man-to-Man -Safely work. The Finnish Slot Machine Association (RAY) finances the work.

Materials

Our materials include various brochures, posters, postcards and advertisements. Brochures and postcards are available at places where people meet and make contacts. Posters are also displayed at these places, particularly on the walls of men's rooms.

We have launched campaigns under the themes of safe sex in general, anal sex, and oral sex. Brochure, poster, postcard and newspaper advertisements were designed for each theme. Similar materials were produced on condom use and the HIV risks associated with different sexual activities. Other materials include a brochure on sex between men and a brochure on condoms and lubricants.

Outreach work

The employees  go out to distribute Safer Sex packets to clients at places where people meet and make contacts. The packages contain 1 or 2 condoms, 1-2 smalll packages of lubricant, and a brochure. The clients also have the opportunity to ask questions and briefly discuss matters they are concerned about. On certain nights, Safer Sex packages are handed out free of charge at popular meeting places. On some nights they are also distributed in connection with ticket sales at various events around Finland attended by the target group.

Outreach work in Internet

The outreach workers are at koodi.net chat forum every Wednesday from 2pm to 3pm (nick: MKT/Aidstukikeskus). It is possible to chat privatly about topics concerning hiv, sexually transmitted infections and sex between men. www.koodi.net

Internet pages and eCounseling

The project has a website at www.miestenkesken.fi. It contains basic information about HIV, safer sex, other sexually transmitted diseases, testing, etc. The website includes the eCounsellor (Nettineuvonta) question and answer service. We also follow various chat and dating forums on the Internet and participate in the discussion when possible.

Testing

It it possible to take HIV antibody test at the Finnish Aids Council, your local healthcare centre, the Outpatient Clinic for Sexually transmitted infections, at a “Pluspiste” advisory desk operated by the Finnish Red Cross, students’ healthcare clinic or a private healthcare clinic etc.

If you suspect that you have contracted some other sexually transmitted disease or you have symptoms, you should contact your local outpatient clinic for Sexually transmitted diseases or healthcare clinic. Advisory services and tests are also available at students’ healthcare clinics and private healthcare clinics.

The tests should not be taken earlier than 1-2 weeks from the possible transmission. In the case of syphilis, you should wait one month, and in the case of HIV and hepatitis, three months from the suspected incident. The HIV tests involve detecting antibodies of the HI-virus, and they may take up to three months to develop. This means that the results of the HIV test are only reliable if the test is taken three months after the last possible transmission.

Usually, the public healthcare services are provided free of charge, and in some cases the treatment and medication are also available free of charge.

The HIV antibody tests taken at the Finnish AIDS Council locations (Helsinki andOulu) are anonymous andfree of charge. The test is a rapid test - you will receive the results during your first appointment. Call +358 207 465 705 Mon–Fri 10 a.m. – 3.30 p.m. to make an appointment.

The “Pluspiste” advisory desks operated by the Finnish Red Cross (Joensuu, Jyväskylä, Kuopio, Seinäjoki) also provide anonymous HIV tests free of charge.

Other activities

We offer training to various groups relating to the themes of the MKT work. We write articles about sex between men for magazines directed at the target group as well as professional journals.

Planning Officers Teppo Heikkinen and Sami Tuunainen are in charge of the Man to Man - Safely work. You can discuss safe sex questions with them on the phone or make an appointment for a discussion. Teppo Heikkinen tel. +358 (0)207 465 744, Sami Tuunainen tel. +358 (0)207 465 729

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