Integrating HIV and STI Prevention for Young Key Populations in Asia and the Pacific
In Asia and the Pacific, an estimated 6.7 million people were living with HIV in 2023, making it the region with the second-highest number of people living with HIV in the world. Although some countries have made strong gains against their HIV epidemics, there were estimated 300,000 new HIV infections within the region. Critically, young people accounted for 27% of new infections and almost all of these (79%) were among key populations and their partners. Over 40% of new HIV infections were among young people in countries such as Myanmar, Indonesia, Thailand, the Philippines, Cambodia and Lao PDR. Several countries also have rising new infections among young people, including Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Lao PDR, PNG, and the Philippines.
Current trends reflect a failure to sufficiently prioritize HIV prevention, to provide services where they are needed most, and to tailor prevention services to the needs of young people from key populations. For example, only 25% of young gay men and other men who have sex with men and young people who inject drugs received HIV prevention services in 2022.
Taking a broader view, the increased vulnerabilities and risks of young people from key populations stem from a range of factors including a) legal, structural stigma and policy barriers in access to HIV, STI, sexual and reproductive health services; b) harmful social and gender norms that lead to lack of knowledge and accurate age-appropriate information; c) lack of or limited comprehensive sexuality education (CSE) leading to misconception of risks; d) lack of or limited availability of youth friendly health services. Indeed, the multiple layers of stigma and discrimination faced by young people from key populations due to poverty, race, ethnicity, religion, education, and gender related inequalities have a detrimental impact on access to a range of health and support services and compound vulnerabilities.
STIs are also a significant issue among young people from key populations with increasing rates in the region. For instance, in Cambodia, syphilis prevalence among young FSW was 24.8% that was much higher than 16.9% prevalence among older counterparts. Other STIs have been under prioritized globally but given the synergy between HIV and STI prevention for young people, and especially young people from key populations, there is benefit in considering these epidemics together.
Responding to the problem, The Training Workshop on Accelerating HIV and STIs Prevention for Young People from Key Populations (YKP) was held in Bangkok, Thailand, from September 24 to 26, 2024. The organizing committee was composed of representatives from Youth LEAD, UNAIDS Regional Support Team for Asia and the Pacific and WHO regional and headquarter teams.
The event aimed to address critical issues related to HIV and STI prevention among young people, particularly those from key populations disproportionately affected by these health challenges. Practical solutions to expand HIV and STIs prevention access, acceptability and uptake, for young people from key populations aged 15-24 years.
Funded by UNAIDS and WHO, the workshop featured a progressively structured agenda—day 1 focused on youth capacity-building, while days 2 and 3 included joint discussions and planning with government representatives.
Participants included youth leaders and civil society organizations (CSOs) on day 1, with government representatives joining on days 2 and 3. Delegates from countries in Asia and the Pacific included Bangladesh, Cambodia, India, Nepal, Vietnam, Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar, China, Thailand, and the Philippines attended the workshop. The delegation comprised youth representatives, one to two government officials, and representatives from UN agencies such as UNAIDS and WHO. Notably, the youth representatives from Bangladesh were unable to participate in the event due to the rising conflict in the country. The delegation from China included representatives from both the private sector and UNAIDS, however did not have youth representatives.
This workshop brought together key stakeholders, including youth representatives, governments and ministries, and development partners, for the first time in a regional forum to address critical issues related to HIV and STI prevention among young key populations (YKP). Through comprehensive discussions, the participants identified common challenges such as limited access to youth friendly services, lack of awareness on HIV and STI prevention, and inadequate healthcare infrastructure. At the same time, best practices, including strong partnerships, leadership development, and differentiated service delivery models, were highlighted as potential solutions.
The outcomes of this workshop will form the foundation for continued efforts to strengthen healthcare services for YKP. Immediate actions will ensure that the insights gained during the workshop are transformed into tangible improvements. Additionally, the creation of a community of practice and follow-up meetings, specifically at country level will facilitate sustained collaboration and monitoring of progress.
In conclusion, the workshop has successfully initiated a roadmap for future initiatives that will help improve the health and well-being of YKP. The commitments made by participants and facilitators will be closely followed up on to ensure that these outcomes drive meaningful change and continue fostering youth leadership and engagement in the region's health landscape.
Access the workshop materials here.