As homophobic discrimination continues to sweep across the African continent, we should be acutely mindful of the diverse ways it harms societies. While we are most aware of the direct effect homophobic physical violence has on sexual minority groups, it is also crucial that we be cognisant of the many insidious ways stigma and discrimination impact not only on sexual minorities but society at large. In societies that discriminate, sexual minorities are less likely to have access to the information and methods necessary to protect themselves from HIV.

The Nobel Laureate and co-discoverer of the HI virus, Francoise Barre-Sinoussi, pointed out at her inaugural address to the 2014 International AIDS Society conference in Melbourne, Australia, homophobia is the perfect breeding ground for AIDS. Not offering health services and programmes to one stigmatised group in society can negatively impact on all members of society. A failure to offer comprehensive HIV prevention and treatment services to sexual minorities can lead to an increase in national HIV prevalence

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