Similarly, the proportion of MSM visiting an integrated counseling and testing center for HIV testing also increased over time from 2009–10 to 2010–11 in many states, though marked variations noted across states, with a range of 0%–63% across states. Discussion While overall HIV prevalence among high-risk population groups – including FSW and MSM – showed a decline in the past decade in India, selleck inhibitor some geographic areas (states/districts in group I, II, and III) still have a considerably high (>5%) HIV prevalence among MSM. Indian states such as Andhra Pradesh, Delhi, Karnataka, Maharashtra,
Manipur, and West Bengal have consistently shown a high HIV prevalence (>5%) among MSM during the last three rounds of HSS.2,27,28 States like Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Nagaland have also shown high HIV prevalence among MSM, as per the HSS data in 2010–11. As per the program coverage, data presented in this paper suggest that the program to contain the HIV epidemic among MSM has received greater attention in the past 5 years in most states, particularly in group I states. This was
a possibility due to continued effort of the National AIDS Control Program Phase III, which was initiated in 2006 and which emphasised data gathering, evidence-based program planning, and implementation of various educational activities for MSM. The overall decline in HIV prevalence among MSM could be partially attributed to an increased program focus in group I states through its evidence-based program planning. The programs implemented by developmental agencies in the group I states had the strategy of keeping the community at the center in planning, execution, and monitoring of the program. Another important factor for its success in group I may be ascribed to its focus on program implementation through peer-led community outreach. This approach was based
on the premise that trained members of high-risk groups are more aware of the needs of their communities, and peers can reach and deliver services to the community Drug_discovery more effectively than people who are not members of these communities.28 Further, the interventions for MSM across India have established drop-in centers to provide safe spaces and basic medical services.29 The clinic services for MSM include presumptive treatment for STIs alongside syndromic management and regular screening, promoting referrals for HIV testing, counseling, treatment, and care.30 Because many medical professionals were not used to treating MSM, training was provided to various health care practitioners on diagnosis and management of STIs among the MSM population. Several innovations were made in the delivery of these services from one geographical area to another, particularly in the states under group I.