Men who have sex with men – MSM – refers to a behaviour rather than a specific group of people. MSM include self-identified gay, bisexual, transgendered or heterosexual. Sex between men occurs in all societies, even though social acceptance varies from one to another. Sex between men can carry high risk for HIV infection, especially when it involves unprotected anal sex.

In Vietnam, there is increasing evidence that HIV prevalence is high among MSM. Findings from Intergrated Behavioral And Biological Survey in 2006 indicates that  HIV prevalence among MSM is as high as 9% in Ha Noi and 5% in Ho Chi Minh City. Lack of understanding on MSM issues among community, local authorities and service providers plus prevailing stigma and discrimation towards MSM remain key challenges for any efforts targetting this group.

Given the situation, growing attention has been given to MSM in Vietnam. The Vietnam National HIV/AIDS Strategy identifies MSM as one the vulnerable groups that HIV interventions need to focus on. A small number of HIV/AIDS activities targeting this group have been implemented, including setting up MSM network or carrying out direct interventions with MSM.

I. MSM Working Group in Viet Nam

1. Introduction
2. National MSMWG
3. Provincial MSMWG
   • Update
     • Can Tho
     • Hai Phong
     • Ha Noi
     • Ho Chi Minh
     • Khanh Hoa

II. Regional MSMWG

1. Purple Sky Network
2. Report Global Meetings
3. Training and Materials

III. Documentation

1. Research
2. Tools/Manuals
• Advocacy
• Programming
3. Best Practices

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