Chemsex Harm Reduction AI Chatbot Aims to Tackle Stigma and Improve Health

A new AI chatbot has been launched to provide accessible, non-judgemental harm reduction support, resources, and information to men who have sex with men (MSM) who engage in chemsex.

OUT LGBT Well-being announced the launch of this innovative service, which harnesses AI to empower individuals to make safer and informed choices.

Chemsex – the use of specific stimulant drugs to enhance sexual experiences – carries significant health risks for MSM, including an increased likelihood of contracting HIV.

Launched as part of OUT’s HARMless Project, with funding from Love Alliance, the chatbot allows users to interact anonymously with a responsive AI that provides information about substance side effects and interactions, safer use, healthy behaviours, and how to seek help if needed.

OUT describes the service as South Africa’s first AI-powered chatbot tailored to address the harm reduction needs of MSM involved in chemsex. It combines a comprehensive repository of health and harm reduction knowledge with resources for biomedical interventions, addressing the unique needs of this often marginalised group.

The chatbot also offers referrals for professional assistance. A moderator oversees the platform to ensure that users can connect with a human for further support if needed.

“MSM who engage in chemsex often don’t know where to turn for reliable and safe information that can protect their health and rights,” says Sive Mjindi, Coordinator of the HARMless Project.

“They frequently encounter judgement and discrimination when trying to access healthcare and support for chemsex and sexualised drug use-related concerns. The HARMless Chatbot aims to address this challenge through the use of innovative technology.”

Groundbreaking Chemsex Study and Harm Reduction Guidelines

The HARMless Project recently completed one of South Africa’s first comprehensive research studies on chemsex, funded by the World Health Organization. The study explored the values and preferences of MSM engaged in chemsex, highlighting the urgent need for tailored harm reduction guidelines and equitable healthcare for people who use substances in sexual contexts.

Through these efforts, OUT LGBT Well-being has partnered with healthcare providers and the South African HIV Clinicians Society to develop clinical guideline recommendations. These guidelines are central to ensuring MSM who engage in chemsex receive holistic, non-judgemental care from all sectors of the healthcare system.

“MSM who engage in chemsex often face marginalisation due to societal attitudes, criminalisation, and a lack of understanding about their specific needs,” says Dawie Nel, Executive Director of OUT. “Our goal, through this and other initiatives, is to reduce harm and protect human rights by creating a compassionate, stigma-free environment.”

OUT is further advancing the rights of MSM engaged in chemsex by collaborating with stakeholders to advocate for the decriminalisation of substance possession for personal use. An engagement workshop on 3 and 4 December will aim to form a consortium to push for this decriminalisation, recognising that punitive substance laws often exacerbate the marginalisation of MSM affected by substance use.

MSM who engage in chemsex are encouraged to try the HARMless AI Chatbot by messaging WhatsApp number 087 250 2762. The service operates 24/7 and is free and anonymous.

Additionally, a helpline with human intervention is available on 060 985 5443 during weekdays (08:30 – 16:30).