Ensuring Universal Access to Comprehensive HIV Services for MSM in Asia and the Pacific

Current statistics likely describe only a fraction of men who have sex with men (MSM) at risk for HIV. There are many more MSM than those who identify as gay or transgender. In Asia, as in many other places in the world, there are men who have sex with both men and women but do not identify as gay or do not associate any particular identity with their sexual behavior. The Asian Epidemic Model estimates that there are 10 million MSM in Asia, some of whom have sex with women or are married. It also predicts that if HIV prevention does not improve from 2007 levels, MSM will soon account for the largest proportion of people living with HIV in Asia. Despite these alarming estimates, rates of HIV infection among MSM in Asia and the Pacific have largely been hidden.

This report summarizes an assessment that was carried out in early 2009 to identify priorities for operations research to better understand effective models for HIV prevention, treatment, care, and support among MSM in Asia and the Pacific.