For the second time, Schorer  - now in collaboration with Hivos - organised an International Expert Meeting on HIV Prevention for MSM, WSW and Transgenders. On 5 and 6 November 2009, 130 prevention professionals, scientists, policymakers and funding-agency representatives from a total of 44 different countries came together to exchange their knowledge and experiences and to make international agreements

You can find the report of the 2009 International Expert Meeting: ‘Moving from intentions to action’ at the right under attachments.

HIV prevention In keeping with its theme 'Moving from Intentions to Action', the two-day conference aimed at facilitating the exchange of strategies regarding HIV prevention for men who have sex with men (MSM), women who have sex with women (WSW) and transgenders. The various presentations resulted in a number of important recommendations for the promotion of HIV prevention internationally. Consider those that deal with MSM, for example: all around the world, gay and bisexual men are systematically ignored and thus deprived of the care, treatment and prevention they need. Even in countries where the AIDS epidemic has spread widely among the general population, MSM still form a high-risk group. Specific prevention programmes therefore need to be developed for them.

Transgenders Transgenders (and those who advocate their interests) were given special attention during the conference. While transgenders are thought to form a relatively small group, they nevertheless run a very high risk in terms of the transmission of HIV. The classification of transsexuality as an illness has resulted in stigma for transgenders and is therefore an obstacle for the development of effective prevention strategies. It is crucial that the classification of transsexuality as a (mental) illness be removed from medical handbooks that are currently being consulted around the world.

Sexual violence A third significant result of the conference has to do with WSW.  In contrast to what people generally think, WSW also run a risk of contracting HIV. Those women can get HIV by having sex with men. That often involves ('corrective') rape or other sexual violence. In countries where lesbians have few opportunities to express their sexuality, women have extramarital sex with their girlfriends and run the risk of getting HIV from their husbands.

Partnership The Global Forum on MSM & HIV (MSMGF) is a platform that focuses on MSM and HIV. The MSMGF works to fight HIV and promote health and equal rights for MSM around the world. During the 2009 Expert Meeting, Schorer and the MSMGF signed a declaration of strategic partnership. The two organisations will join forces to intensify the international efforts to ensure that MSM and transgenders around the world will have access to HIV prevention, care, treatment and support.

You can find the PowerPoint presentations from the 2009 Expert Meeting on the right.