Become a GMFA Bum Chum this World AIDS Day
Gay men account for 63% of new HIV infections in the UK –
and over 95% of these men caught HIV from having bum fun.
Despite recent medical advances in the treatment of HIV there is still no cure. By joining forces this World AIDS Day we can help to reduce HIV transmission among gay men. GMFA are asking gay men and their friends and families to become GMFA Bum Chums and join us in the battle against HIV.
What is a GMFA Bum Chum?
Bum Chums are committed to preventing the spread of HIV among gay men.
Bum Chums take responsibility for their sexual safety.
Bum Chums support GMFA’s HIV education and awareness work.
What YOU can do:
Become a GMFA Bum Chum in one of the following two ways:
1. Donate £3 by texting BUM to 82540
2. Donate any amount online at http://www.gmfa.org.uk/bumchum
PRESS RELEASE: GMFA IN SEARCH OF BUM CHUMS
HELP THE BATTLE AGAINST HIV THIS WORLD AIDS DAY
LONDON, 19 November 2008 -- HIV still effects the gay community more than any other group in the UK. Gay men make up 63% of all new HIV infections and over 95% of these are from bum sex. This World AIDS Day GMFA are rallying support in the battle against HIV. The gay men’s health charity is asking for a renewed commitment from gay men to prevent more gay men becoming infected with HIV. Individuals can make a difference by becoming GMFA’s Bum Chum. By becoming a Bum Chums you’ll be committed to preventing the spread of HIV among gay men, take responsibility for your own sexual safety and support GMFA’s HIV education and awareness work.
“We’re asking people to feel proud and committed in supporting gay men,” said Matthew Hodson, Head of Programmes for GMFA. “HIV is transmitted more easily by anal sex than vaginal sex and this is partly why gay men account for such a huge proportion of the infections that occur within the UK. The Bum Chum campaign is more than just fundraising, it’s about making a commitment to preventing the spread of HIV, and about supporting HIV information campaigns and education. We want people to stand up and say, ‘This matters to me and to my community. I’m doing something to prevent HIV in gay men’.”
While the campaign has just begun, scene celebrities, like Mr GAY UK Dino Gamecho, ex Big Brother housemates and the Left footers, have already begun to shown their support for the campaign. To become a GMFA Bum Chum, all you have to do is visit www.gmfa.org.uk/bumchum or you can donate £3 by texting BUM to 82540.*
Data from the Health protection Agency shows that there have been over 39,000 diagnoses of HIV among men who have sex with men (MSM) in the UK. In 2006, an estimated 31,100 men who have sex with men (MSM) were living with HIV in the UK. An estimated 2,700 newly diagnosed cases of HIV among MSM were diagnosed in 2006, and 21,700 HIV positive MSM accessed HIV-related treatment and care services. MSM continue to be disproportionately affected by HIV and account for 63% of diagnoses where the infection was probably acquired in the UK.
