Catalyzing change: A framework for equitable health among MSM—insights from South Africa for developing nations

Abstract

This research paper seeks to close health disparities among MSM in developing countries by presenting a holistic framework that will ensure equal access to healthcare services. Conducted in South Africa with 25 MSM participants, employing qualitative methods and Nvivo software for analysis, the framework integrates WHO's social health determinants and systems theory principles into three dimensions: Input, process, and output. The main components are sensitization training, community engagement, MSM empowerment, health promotion coupled with the look at finances, human resources, and infrastructure. The study underlines the importance of collective action by MSM and other stakeholders for achieving health equity and offers valuable lessons for policy makers and healthcare professionals in terms of inclusiveness and equal health service delivery. It highlights the critical role of inter‐disciplinary strategy comprising of community participation and resource allocation to erase the health inequality among MSM in developing countries.