Just two months ago, WHO released new Consolidated Guidelines on HIV and STI prevention and treatment among key populations. Bringing together all existing guidance on key populations, the consolidated guidelines provide a comprehensive package of evidence-based recommendations on HIV for each key population, including MSM.
MSMGF Sr. Research and Programs Associate Keletso Makofane Presenting at the Launch of WHO's Consolidated Guidelines at AIDS 2014
Following the release of the Consolidated Guidelines, the MSMGF and UNFPA will convene a two-day consultation focused on the development of a new implementation tool to operationalize the guidelines among MSM. Called the MSM Implementation Tool (MSMIT), the tool will serve as a primary reference point for all stakeholders working to address HIV and STIs among MSM around the world, including public health officials, HIV and STI program managers, community-based organizations, and health workers.
The MSMIT will be an extremely important tool for building and implementing effective programs for MSM health and human rights, and this consultation will be essential to ensuring its success. Taking place next week in Bangkok, the consultation will bring together experts, programmers, researchers, donors, and civil society to identify good practice examples from around the world. Discussions will focus on community empowerment, addressing violence against MSM, condom and lubricant programming, community engagement, program management, and capacity building.
We are very excited for the consultation and its outcomes, and we will be posting updates from Bangkok on our Facebook and Twitter spaces early next week! Follow the discussion on Twitter at @msmgf, and use the hashtag #MSMIT to join the conversation.
As always, please don't hesitate to be in touch via Facebook, Twitter, or via email at contact@msmgf.org.
All the best,
The MSMGF