Open the first gay health clinic in Paraguay

By Reuters05/24/2013 | 2:47 pm

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The clinic expects to serve 10,000 people a year, mostly gay. (Archive) 

The clinic, called Kuimbae (man, in Guarani), is the second of its kind in Latin America.

Paraguay inaugurates the first health clinic for homosexuals, an initiative of the organization Paraguayan We are Gay and Latin American Healthcare Foundation (AHF).

"The clinic will offer free testing and treatment for sexually transmitted infections, HIV testing snapshots, medical, vaccines against hepatitis, human papilloma virus or tetanus, among others," he told Efe Sergio Lopez, leader of Us Gay.

The clinic, called Kuimbae (man, in Guarani), is the second of its kind in Latin America and is inspired by the Program "Mens Wellness Center" as part of an ongoing effort to standardize the detection and early treatment of the AIDS virus and sexually transmitted infections.

Lopez explained that although "is focused on men, the clinic will also serve women and transsexuals and will have no cost to users" and will address "sexual health consultations" of patients.

"We decided to install the clinic there are gaps in public health for men," said the leader, who denounced the "difficulty for gays to be treated in the public health system who suffer discrimination, there is a stigma throughout the country. "

Twelve people, including five doctors, will be responsible for the operation of the clinic, which is open Monday to Saturday and hopes to serve about 10,000 people a year, mostly gay.