Executive Summary

Executive Summary
There is an urgent need to address the emerging and re-emerging epidemics of HIV and other sexually transmitted
infections (STIs) among men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender people. Strengthening strategic
information systems and implementing interventions for the prevention and treatment of HIV and other STIs among
MSM and transgender people should be considered a priority for all countries and regions as part of a comprehensive
effort to ensure universal access to HIV prevention, care and treatment.
Reports from a diverse range of countries and regions have highlighted that prevalence of HIV and other STIs
among MSM and transgender people is high when compared with men in the general population. Unprotected
anal sex is common and surveys show that some MSM have female partners, many are married, some are engaged
in sex work and some use drugs. Existing second-generation HIV surveillance systems, research, and efforts of
national HIV/AIDS and STI programmes have not adequately captured biological and behavioural data on these
populations, nor implemented prevention interventions on a sufficient scale. Resources to address HIV and STIs
among MSM, transgender people and their partners do not match the burden of disease.
The risk of and vulnerability to infection are reinforced by societal attitudes, which deny human rights to MSM and
transgender people, as well as their right to health.