Science workshop

According to latest data from UNAIDS, close to two-thirds of all HIV acquisitions in 2020 were among key populations and their partners. Data also shows that the risk of acquiring HIV is higher among key populations than other populations. Understanding the size, distribution and dynamics of key populations, as well as their access to essential prevention and treatment services, is key for planning effective programmes to reduce their risk for transmission of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Integrated biological and behavioural surveillance surveys, currently used for this purpose, require extensive technical support for implementation and are expensive and infrequently done. This workshop, designed by FHI 360, UNAIDS, WHO, the Global Fund, CDC and USAID, will increase participants' knowledge of new simpler and cheaper approaches for conducting key population size estimates, assessing the reach and impact of key population programmes, and supporting surveillance for HIV and other STIs among key populations. These tools provide a simplified framework for undertaking size estimates and surveys among key populations at relatively low cost and can be implemented by HIV programmes and service providers. Workshop participants will learn how to integrate these new tools into routine programmes and use the data to strengthen key population programmes at national and sub-national levels.