In Focus Volume 5: Men Who Have Sex With Men and the 2011 Political Declaration on HIV/AIDS

The 2011 United Nations Political Declaration on HIV and AIDS was adopted by the UN General Assembly at a High Level Meeting on AIDS in New York on 10 June. After 30 years of the epidemic, the silence was finally broken with the inclusion of men who have sex with men (MSM) as one of the key affected populations (along with people who use drugs and sex workers).

This issue looks at what the 2011 Political Declaration addresses specifically for MSM and the impact on their lives in Asia and the Pacific region. However, most statements are also applicable to transgender people who were purposefully removed from the list of key affected populations (KAPs). It highlights the need for more advocacy around their recognition as a separate population from MSM.