The study that started in 2017 and ended in 2018 aimed to assess if existing and emerging HIV prevention and care interventions were feasible, acceptable, and needed by Men who have sex with Men (MSM).
Objectives
- To estimate the size of MSM populations in Nairobi and Malindi and describe online and physical networking characteristics within these populations
- To estimate the prevalence of HIV (including acute/early HIV), HBV, HCV, syphilis, genital, rectal, and pharyngeal Neisseria gonorrhoea/Chlamydia trachomatis infections.
- To document the current continuum of HIV diagnosis, treatment initiation, and individual virologic suppression in this population.
- To determine individual, community, structural enablers and deterrents to engagement.
Project Initiated 2017, completed in 2018
617 MSM were enrolled during the implementation of the project. Results established that the continuum of HIV care for MSM and Transgender populations in Kenya is remarkably strong despite potential obstacles to HIV care. It also showed that HIV diagnosis represented the weakest link in the continuum of care for MSM in Nairobi and undiagnosed HIV accounted for over 80% of the total populations’ viral overload.
Partnerships
The TRANSFORM project was conducted in Kenya and South Africa. PHDA partnered with Evidence for HIV prevention in Southern Africa (EHPSA), University of Manitoba (UoM), and the Kenya Institute of Medical Research (KEMRI), with funding from the Department for International Development.