It is well established that HIV/AIDS disproportionately affects certain populations, particularly men who have sex with men, female sex workers, people who inject drugs, and transgender persons. The global epidemic will not be effectively controlled without good data on these key populations and the extent to which they are being served by HIV/AIDS-related programs and services.
A new study published in the Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes (JAIDS) identifies gaps in epidemiologic and HIV service coverage data for key populations in eight West and Central African countries: Cameroon, Chad, Cote d'Ivoire, Democratic Republic of Congo, Ghana, Guinea-Bissau, Niger, and Nigeria. amfAR is lead author of the study.
The researchers found substantial gaps in epidemiologic and HIV prevention service data for key populations throughout the region, and concluded that better data collection and consistent inclusion of that data in national planning are essential for effectively addressing the HIV epidemic.
Access the study here.