Men who have sex with men in Senegal are highly infected with HIV and other STI. Intervention programs targeting this population are urgently needed, given their particular vulnerability and because infections are likely to disseminate into the general population given the high proportion of bisexual activity in this community.

An epidemiological survey conducted in Senegal in 2004 among men having sex with men (MSM) revealed high HIV prevalence and a high rate of risky behaviors within this population. Consequently, several prevention campaigns targeting MSM were implemented. A second survey was carried out in 2007 to assess the impact of these measures. This paper aims to examine trends in HIV and STI prevalence and in sexual behaviors between 2004 and 2007. The two surveys were conducted in four urban sites among 440 and 501 MSM--recruited using the snowball sampling method--in 2004 and 2007, respectively. A similar methodology was applied for both surveys. This consisted of a closed-ended questionnaire concerning socio-demographic, behavioral, and biomedical information plus a clinical examination including urine and blood tests to detect STIs and HIV infection. Between 2004 and 2007, the frequency of different sexual practices reported by MSM remained stable, but condom use for each type of sexual practice rose. The percentage of men who reported consistent condom use during previous-month anal sex has increased by about 35% (p<0.01). The percentage of men who reported consistent condom use during previous-month non-commercial sex with women has increased by 14% (p<0.01). HIV prevalence remained stable from 22.4% [95% CI: 18.6-26.8] in 2004 to 21.8% [95% CI: 18.3-25.7] in 2007 (adjusted OR = 1.05, p=0.8). Gonorrhea prevalence decreased from 5.5% [95% CI: 3.6-8.3] in 2004 to 2.6% [95% CI: 1.5-4.5] in 2007 (adjusted OR=0.5, p=0.07). The prevention campaigns, STI and HIV care and support programs conducted in Senegal among MSM have been followed by a reduction of risk-taking behaviors and STI prevalence among this population. Specific targeting of this group within HIV/STI prevention programs seems to be effective in decreasing sexual infections.

BackgroundMen who have sex with other men (MSM) are a vulnerable population in Africa that has been insufficiently explored. Given the high rate of bisexuality among MSM (73% in the past year), it is important to understand their risk-taking behaviors regarding both men and women.Methodology/Principal FindingsA socio-behavioral survey was carried out in 2007 among 501 MSM recruited using the snowball sampling method. We explore in this article why a condom was not used during last sexual intercourse with a man and with a woman, taking into account the respondent's characteristics, type of relationship and the context of the sexual act. In the survey, 489 men reported that they had had sexual intercourse at least once with another man during the previous year, and 358 with a man and with a woman. The main risk factors for not using a condom at last sexual intercourse with another man were having sex in a public place (aOR = 6.26 [95%CI: 2.71–14.46]), non-participation in an MSM prevention program (aOR = 3.47 [95%CI: 2.12–5.69]), a 19 years old or younger partner (aOR = 2.6 [95%CI: 1.23–4.53]), being 24 years or younger (aOR = 2.07 [95%CI: 1.20–3.58]) or being 35 years or over (aOR = 3.08 [95%CI:1.11–8.53]) and being unemployed (aOR = 0.36 [95%CI: 0.10–1.25]). The last sexual intercourse with the respondent's wife was hardly ever protected (2%). With women, the other factors were a 15 years or younger partner (aOR = 6.45 [95%CI: 2.56–16.28]), being educated (primary: aOR = 0.45 [95%CI: 0.21–0.95], secondary or higher: aOR = 0.26 [95%CI: 0.11–0.62]), being a student (aOR = 2.20 [95%CI: 1.07–4.54]) or unemployed (aOR = 3.72 [95%CI: 1.31–10.61]) and having participated in a MSM prevention program (aOR = 0.57 [95%CI: 0.34–0.93]).ConclusionHaving participated in a prevention program specifically targeting MSM constitutes a major prevention factor. However, these programs targeting MSM must address their heterosexual practices and the specific risks involved.

From both perspectives, introducing the rotavirus vaccine is highly cost-effective compared to no vaccination. The results are consistent with those found in many African countries. The ProVac process and tools contributed to a collaborative, country-led process in Senegal that provides a platform for gathering and reporting evidence for vaccine decision-making.

No abstract