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Men Who Have Sex with Men (MSM)

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According to the Asia Pacific Coalition on Male Sexual Health, men who have sex with men (MSM) is an inclusive public health term used to define sexual behaviors, regardless of gender identity, motivation for engaging in sex, or identification with any particular "community." Thus, the term covers a large variety of settings and contexts in which male-to-male sex takes place.

Despite the social, legal, and religious taboos, it is certain there are men who have sex with other men in every society. Many MSM do not identify themselves as such because of stigma. They may also be unaware of or deny the risks to themselves or their partners. They seldom practice safer sex, risk becoming infected or transmitting HIV or other sexually transmitted infections to their partners (male and female), and may not receive appropriate prevention and treatment services. 

With this understanding, FHI's HIV key prevention messages target the risk behavior rather than the risk group. FHI works with local government and nongovernmental partners in countries in Asia and the Pacific region to implement interventions aimed at reducing the vulnerability of MSM through behavior change. Programs aim to increase access to knowledge, condoms and lubricants, and services, and support creation of positive environments for MSM to enable and sustain behavior change.

Interventions include peer outreach activities; communication strategies through hotline services, targeted multimedia campaigns, and drop-in centers; community mobilization; and referrals to and support for services such as sexually transmitted infections, voluntary counseling and testing, and care, support, and treatment that is tailored to MSM needs.