Project: HIV risk behavior among Men who have Sex with Men – Bio-Behavioral Surveillance Survey and Population Size Estimation

Introduction and Overview

Georgia is among the countries with low HIV/AIDS prevalence but with a high potential for the development of a widespread epidemic. From the early years of the epidemic injecting drug use was the major route for HIV transmission, however, for the last years, heterosexual transmission is prevailing ( 51.5% in 2016). According to the national HIV surveillance system, infections acquired through homosexual contact contributed to 16.8% of all newly registered cases in 2016.

Curatio International Foundation continues implementation of Bio-Behavioral Surveillance Surveys among Key Affected Population Men who have Sex with Men (MSM), with the aim to measure HIV prevalence among, monitor risk behaviors, and generate evidence for advocacy and policy-making.

The fifth wave of the study will also include Population Size Estimation.

 

Country of Implementation

Georgia (Tbilisi, Batumi and Kutaisi)

 

Organizations Involved

Bio-Behavioral Surveillance Survey and Population Size Estimation will be conducted together with partner organization – Center for Information and Counseling on Reproductive Health Tanadgoma. The study is financially supported by the National Center for Disease Control and Public Health in the frame of the Global Fund to fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria (GFATM) grant.

 

Project objectives and Contributions 

The project aims to generate reliable information about MSM population size and define the population HIV and Hepatitis C risk behavior. The results of the study will be used to assess the national response to HIV/AIDS and to plan an adequate national program.

Project objectives are:

  • Conducting supervision over behavior in MSM in three cities in Georgia: Tbilisi, Batumi, and Kutaisi; Biomarker testing on HIV infection, C hepatitis, and STI (syphilis, chlamydia, gonorrhea).
  • Assessment of the approximate size of the MMS population in 3 towns of Georgia (Tbilisi, Kutaisi, Batumi) and calculation of the estimated size of MSMs across the country.

 

The final documents:

  1. Bio-Behavioral Surveillance Survey in 2018
  2. Population Size Estimation, 2018

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