WHO releases first-ever HIV guidelines for MSM and transgender people

The WHO on Tuesday released its first-ever HIV guidelines on men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender people, which "urge[s] governments to ensure gay men get equal access to HIV prevention and treatment services," the Associated Press reports. MSM "are among the groups worst hit by the HIV epidemic, but in many countries they face legal or practical discrimination accessing medical services," according to WHO, the AP writes (6/21).

A WHO backgrounder (.pdf) outlines the guidelines' 21 recommendations, which address human rights and non-discrimination in health care settings, prevention of sexual HIV transmission, testing and counseling, HIV care and treatment, prevention and treatment of other STIs, behavioral interventions, and substance use and prevention of other bloodborne infections (6/21).