Monitoring and evaluation of key populations at higher risk for HIV

The effects of HIV are not evenly distributed and responses vary among those at greatest risk for HIV infection.

The term ‘key populations’ or ‘key populations at higher risk of HIV exposure’ refers to those most likely to be exposed to HIV or to transmit it. In most settings, men who have sex with men, transgender persons, people who inject drugs, sex workers and their clients, and seronegative partners in serodiscordant couples are at high risk of HIV exposure. Each country should define the specific populations that are key to their epidemic and response based on the epidemiological and social context.

These expert guidelines are specifically tailored for individuals and organizations involved in monitoring and evaluating (M&E) the HIV response among key populations. This site includes links to technical and operational guidelines and links to useful resources for M&E among key populations.

General information on key populations

• Operational guidelines for M&E of HIV programmes for sex workers, men who have sex with men, and transgendered people (draft)

Resources on injecting drug users and prisons

• HIV prevention among injecting drug users

Resources on sex workers

• UNAIDS Guidance on HIV and sex work

Resources on men who have sex with men

• HIV and sex between men: Policy brief
• Additional information can be found here