Speaking anonymously to protect against criminal charges and discrimination, Burundi health workers and social support workers spoke out against criminalization of same sex relationships and the detrimental effect laws have on providing healthcare to their communities:

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex people (LGBTI), as well as sex workers, are among those most at risk of HIV infection. "Laws that criminalise consensual sexual conduct and real or perceived sexual orientation increase the risk of HIV/AIDS among the sexual minorities in Burundi," said Minani*, a member of Burundian Youth Network of HIV Positive (RNJ+).

"It makes sexual minorities afraid of showing themselves and afraid to visit the health clinics. They don't dare to go into government health agencies to request assistance, treatment or prevention services." Read More