contribute to a reduction in HIV/STI transmission among them.

Conduct further research
Throughout the Consultation, a number of areas were identified as important, warranting further research. Gathering
more evidence in these areas is expected to lead to improved resource targeting for MSM and transgender people,
and contribute to a reduction in HIV/STI transmission among them.
• Assessing the need for provision of HPV vaccination for MSM and transgender populations
• Use of rectal microbicides to prevent HIV and STI transmission
• The role that “serosorting” (selection of partners according to their stated HIV serostatus) can and should play
in risk reduction strategies
• Ranking of messages for the prevention of HIV and STI transmission among MSM and transgender people. It
was noted that “conventional” prevention messages may need to be reframed for MSM and transgender
audiences in settings where same-sex relationships are illegal, and this needs further research.
• Understanding the reasons for the re-emergence of HIV epidemics. It was noted that there has been a
resurgence of new infections (HIV and bacterial STIs) in countries where the rate of increase of the epidemic
had previously slowed down.
• Understanding the relationship between the risk of transmission and perceived levels of stigma and
discrimination. Participants heard that in some settings there is no direct correlation between HIV/STI
transmission risk and the levels of institutional and individual stigma and discrimination against MSM and
transgender people. Thus, those cities that are perceived to be “MSM/transgender-friendly” have been, in the
past, and are once again, sites with the highest rate of new infections. Understanding the reasons for this
apparent anomaly may help in guiding future interventions.