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Abstract
Strategies for effective response to MSM HIV epidemic: a successful experience in developing a community-based voluntary counseling and testing service targeting MSM in Hong Kong
C.C. Chan
Issues: We need various strategies to tackle the rising HIV epidemic among MSM. AIDS Concern has successfully applied multiple strategies to develop its VCT service for MSM, and promote more MSM getting tested in Hong Kong.
Description: AIDS Concern piloted the first community-based VCT service for MSM in 2000 when there was no VCT service specifically to MSM and addressed the low testing rate among MSM. The service was first established for HIV anti-body test and conducted at gay saunas only. Since then, the service has become more comprehensive. The service includes tests for STIs and medical consultation by a doctor. The coverage goes beyond saunas, and the service has successfully reaches to MSM who are active in various sexual networks (i.e internet and clubs). The service has hence added a center-based provision. AIDS Concern’s VCT service has been well-recognized by the MSM community, and become the leading service provider.
Lessons learned: The VCT service has no doubt in gaining more information on HIV prevalence, and creating opportunities for direct dialogue with MSM on their HIV status and vulnerabilities. The successful experience from AIDS Concern indicates that various strategies are needed to develop VCT service for greater impacts: conducting the service in non-clinical setting to increase accessibility; partnership with the government for resources, technical supports and data collection; launching promotional campaigns to tackle stigma on testing; mobilizing the MSM community stakeholders to make testing to become a norm; including other STI checkups and medical doctor consultation to address MSM’s wider needs in sexual health; networking with MSM tested negative to nurture their regular testing behaviors; and developing PLHA as peer educators to support MSM tested positive.
Next steps: AIDS Concern is planning to develop an intervention approach to target MSM who are repeated users but show no sustainable behavioral change in their risk behaviors.
AIDS 2008 - XVII International AIDS Conference
Abstract no.
THPE0390
Suggested Citation
" C.C. Chan
Strategies for effective response to MSM HIV epidemic: a successful experience in developing a community-based voluntary counseling and testing service targeting MSM in Hong Kong.
:
AIDS 2008 - XVII International AIDS Conference:
Abstract no.
THPE0390"
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