HIV, HCV and syphilis prevalence among MSM in Tajikistan are stabilized

Background: Men having sex with men (MSM) remain one of the most HIV vulnerable groups of population in developed countries. There is very limited data on HIV epidemics among MSM in Central Asia region, especially in Tajikistan, primarily due to the hidden character of the group. The surveillance studies conducted earlier (2011 and 2015) showed alarming HIV prevalence among MSM (4.1% in Dushanbe and 2.7% in the whole country, 2015).

Methods: A cross-sectional integrated bio-behavioral survey was conducted among MSM by UN Development Program in Tajikistan and National AIDS Center from November to December, 2017. A total respondent-driving sample was 700 MSM (350 in Dushanbe).

Results: MSM in Dushanbe were 28 y. o. in average; 44% had secondary and 33% tertiary education; 38% are living with women; last 6 months, they had sex with 3 men in average; last year, no one was an injection drug user; 72.9% (CI: 68.2–78.0) used a condom at last anal intercourse with man; 8.5% (5.7–11.7) were HIV tested and knew their result during last 12 months.

In 2017, the prevalence of HIV among MSM in Dushanbe was 2.4% (CI: 0.9–4.3), HCV 4.3% (2.1–6.8) and syphilis 4.9% (2.7–7.2). In 2015 and 2011, HIV prevalence was 4.1% (2.1–6.2), 1.5% (0.2–3.2) respectively, HCV prevalence was 2.3% (0.9–4.0) and 3.9% (1.2–7.3), syphilis prevalence 9.3% (6.4–12.4) and 5.1% (2.7–8.8).

Conclusions: The analysis of the collected data shows that HIV, HCV and syphilis prevalence among MSM in Tajikistan are stabilized (compared to 2015). This is one of the major positive impacts of prevention programs among MSM in the country. For further progress in the prophylaxis of these infections among MSM prevention programs should be continued and strengthened.

Authors: Sherkhanov, Takhir; Shyrinjanov, Umed; Shoinbekov, Khuvaido; Abbasova, Dilorom; Kasianchuk, Maksym; Orbelyan, Sona