Mapping and size estimation of men who have sex with men in virtual platforms in Delhi, India

In India, the HIV epidemic is concentrated among key populations, such as the MSMs. Conventional targeted interventions mitigate HIV transmission by focusing on physical hotspots. As there is a shift within the MSM community to connect with sex partners online, novel approaches are needed to map virtual platforms where sexual networks are formed. This study estimates the number of MSM in Delhi using virtual platforms to connect for sex and to describe patterns of their use.

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HIV Intervention in Spas and Massage Parlours in Delhi

With the evolution of sex work patterns, newer physical places like Spas and Massage Parlours are emerging as new venues for sex work. The traditional peer-educator based Targeted Interventions reach out to the Key Population at geographical hotspots. However, these new venues are often unreached. DL TSU, in collaboration with DSACS, identified this implementation gap and supported DSACS to design this intervention to reach out and provide HIV services to the FSWs and MSMs who engage in sex work through Spas and Massage Parlours in Delhi.

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The Network Operator Approach strengthens the outreach of HIV services for Female Sex Workers in Delhi

The expansion of mobile technology and use of mobile phones have led to changes in the patterns of sex work solicitation among female sex workers (FSWs). FSWs have also increased their dependence on mediators termed ‘Network Operators’ (NWOs) for client solicitation. This Implementation Brief describes the NWO approach that the Targeted Interventions in Delhi adopted in order to reach out and facilitate linkage to HIV services for this hidden FSW population. The DL TSU technically supported the DSACS to design, train implementers and evaluate this strategy.

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Mapping and Size Estimation of Men who have Sex with Men active on virtual platforms in Delhi

IHAT, in collaboration with DSACS conducted a ‘Virtual Mapping’ exercise to generate estimates of the population size of Men who have Sex with Men (MSMs) active on virtual platforms in Delhi. This document provides a detailed methodology on estimating the size of MSMs active on virtual platforms. Virtual Mapping can become a critical step to develop a comprehensive HIV intervention to reach and provide access to MSMs on virtual platforms.

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