Programmatic mapping and size estimation of key populations

STATUS: Completed
PROJECT LEADER:Cloete, A (Dr Allanise)
OTHER TEAM MEMBERS: Setswe, KG (Prof. Geoff), Shean, YL (Ms Yolande), Adams, R.A.J. (Ms Ray), Ntsepe, YM (Dr Yoliswa), Nyawane, CL (Ms Lebo), Samuels, SN (Mrs Sue), Mathambo, N (Ms Nomonde), Wabiri, MN (Dr Njeri), Msweli, S (Mr Sakhile), Sigida, ST (Ms Salome)
DEPARTMENT RESPONSIBLE: Public Health, Societies and Belonging (HSC)
RESEARCH OUTPUTS: Programmatic mapping and size estimation study of key populations in South Africa: sex workers (male and female), men who have sex with men, persons who inject drugs and transgender people

Abstract

The 2012-2016 National Strategic Plan (NSP) for HIV/AIDS, STIs and TB of South Africa calls for a more concerted action in our national response to include conventional key populations such as MSM, SWs, transgender people and persons who inject drugs (PWIDs). However, we have been handicapped in both our policy-making and government ??? led programme development for key populations due to a lack of reliable strategic information. Although in recent years there have been significant strides made with regards to research and appropriate services for MSM and SWs, research and HIV prevention programmes tailored to the specific HIV prevention needs for PWIDs and transgender people remain few and far between. Hence this study will be undertaken as a necessary first step to managing the HIV epidemic among these often neglected populations. This study will focus on MSM, SWs, PWIDs and transgender people. It now remains for research programmes such as the HIV/AIDS, STIs and TB (HAST) research programme based at the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) together with the South African Government (SAG) to use a multi-sectoral approach that has Government working together and in partnership with the other SANAC Civil Society sectors as well as other stakeholders to use strategic information for the implementation and monitoring of HIV prevention programmes as well as treatment and counselling services for key populations. In order to manage the South African HIV epidemic, government and civil society must not only respond to HIV within the general population but must also develop focused programmes that address the needs of key populations such as MSM, SWs, PWIDs and transgender people. Without considering these key populations any response to HIV in South Africa will prove inadequate and fruitless.

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