Everybody knows, but nobody knows : desk review of current literature on HIV and male-male sexualities, behaviours and sexual exploitation in Afghanistan / Shivananda Khan

S. Khan

There is sufficient anecdotal evidence to indicate that male-male sexual behaviours, along with male child sexual exploitation and early sexual debut exist at significant levels in Afghanistan to cause concern, particularly with regard to child protection, along with addressing HIV risk and vulnerability among MSM. The National AIDS Control Programme, MOPH, Afghanistan is implementing an HIV prevention, treatment, care and support programme, but lacks information on male-male sexual behaviours and the attendant risks and vulnerabilities. NACP intends to conduct a rapid assessment of male-male sexual behaviours, exploitation, risks and vulnerabilities in order to understand the range of male-male sexualities and behaviours, the vulnerabilities of sexual exploitation, and risks of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections, through a range of methodologies which take into account the sensitivity of the issue in Afghan culture. The objectives of this assessment include: 1. To describe the characteristics of MSM with particular attention to adolescent and young males within community, entertainment, and congregate settings in Kabul, Kandahar, and Mazari-sharif as it pertains to HIV prevention. 2. To assess the circumstances of child abuse/exploitation within the context of MSM within communities, entertainment, and congregate settings in Kabul, Kandahar, and Mazar. 3. To strengthen the knowledge base for the HIV national response for MSM and child abuse/exploitation among the government, donors, and NGOs. 4. To make recommendations for a stronger capacity among the government, donors, and NGOs for appropriate service delivery on HIV prevention, care and support for MSM and children at risk of