Targeted interventions for MSMs- Are they working?

[Guest guest]

Dear all,

Myrada has been implementing targeted interventions for FSW and MSM communities

for the past 6 years. We have learned a lot from these communities and have been

able to document our experiences in our publications (RMS papers available on

our website www.myrada.org)

One major learning is with our MSM program.  We have raised some issues in our

paper (attached) and are keen to understand and learn further. Some of the key

issues are:

1. The current one shoe fits all strategy of the national TI program for FSWs

and MSMs is not working for the MSM community. Further, there needs to be

differing strategies for the sub types within the MSM community.

2.Vulnerability reduction is as critical as risk reduction (condom, lubes and

STI treatment). There is no scope to address vulnerability reduction (barring

police harassment)

3. Almost all programs are being implemented by NGOs who are clueless about

working with the MSM community – by the time we learn – it will be too late-

then we are restricted by the rigid guidelines.

I invite you to please read our paper and give us your comments and feedback. I

think it is very urgent that we do something if we really want to impact on the

MSM HIV epidemic in India.

Maya Mascarenhas

e-mail: <mayahiv@...>

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