Pedro Carneiro

This session described key population community-led strategies implemented in diverse settings around the world to engage KPs in HIV prevention and treatment services. It underscored the message that communities are best served when those providing the HIV prevention and treatment services are part of these communities and look like them.

With a message of “chase the virus, not people”, Svetlana Moroz spoke about the barriers to care PWID face in Eastern Europe/Central Asia. Alicia Kruger spoke of the transgender paradox in Brazil, a country with liberal social policies, yet alarming murder rate of trans people. She discussed inclusion of trans people in decision making and described how Brazil is ensuring their well-being. Margaret Hellard spoke of the need to implement changes in the healthcare system to allow professionals to expand their roles, and increase community participation. Pongthorn Chanleunr (Thailand), described how KP-led services have increased outreach and yield better results than facility-based services. Paula Simonsen, a holistic health practitioner from Norway, reminded us that we must address not just the physical body but the whole being. Dr. Phan reported on the incredible progress Vietnam has made into including KP-led services into their national strategic plan.

This session highlighted the importance of KP-led services in enhancing the prevention and care cascades. Whether developing campaigns and guidelines in Brazil or providing direct services in northern Thailand, KPs have the potential to significantly impact their communities and expand the reach of healthcare to their peers. Governments can and should be more inclusive of KP-led services to ensure that offered services are necessary, appropriate, effective, sustainable and acceptable to the communities they serve.