Publication:
Scaling up HIV Treatment for MSM in Bangkok: What Does It Take? – A Modelling and Costing Study

Abstract
The HIV epidemic amongst men who have sex with men (MSM) in Bangkok is substantial. The population size of MSM in Bangkok is 120,000-250,000, with approximately one-third (33.5 percent) considered high-risk, characterized by their young age, multiple partnerships, frequent unprotected anal intercourse, and sexual activities around MSM hotspots. In metropolitan Bangkok, HIV prevalence among MSM reportedly increased from 21 percent to 28 percent between 2000 and 2012. The Thai Working Group of Estimation and Projection (2013) projected an estimate of 39,000 new HIV infections would occur in Thailand during 2012-2016, based on the AIDS Epidemic Model (AEM). MSM will account for 44 percent of these new HIV cases, and 25-30 percent of these infections will likely to occur in Bangkok. In 2011, the United Nations held a high-level meeting on HIV/AIDS where they adopted the ambitious epidemiological targets of the United Nations Political Declaration on HIV/AIDS (UNPD), to be met by 2015. Attaining these specific targets would lead to substantial progress towards ending AIDS. UNAIDS has also been prioritizing the “Getting to Zero” initiative (“Zero new HIV infections. Zero AIDS-related deaths. Zero discrimination.”). The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) recently responded with the “Bangkok: Getting to Zero” initiative, which strategizes an increased focus on prevention amongst MSM in the city. The clinical trial, HPTN052, demonstrated a 96 percent reduction of HIV transmission among heterosexual discordant couples who received ART. “Treatment as prevention” has become an increasingly accepted strategy to prevent new infections. A cost-effectiveness analysis comparing current levels of investment in targeted HIV prevention interventions for MSM in Bangkok (including treatment), with scenarios of increased coverage, would provide evidence to shape efficient national and metropolitan strategies. A return-on-investment analysis would provide an economic rationale to finance this strategy in allocating sufficient resources to address the epidemic at the most appropriate scale. Demonstration by the study that a significant reduction in transmission (including potential elimination) are both feasible and cost effective, may galvanize global political support.
Link to Data Set
Citation
Zhang, Lei; Phanuphak, Nittaya; Henderson, Klara; Nonenoy, Siriporn; Srikaew, Sasiwan; Shattock, Andrew J.; Kerr, Cliff C.; Omune, Brenda; van Griensven, Frits; Osornprasop, Sutayut; Oelrichs, Robert; Ananworanich, Jintanat; Wilson, David P.. 2015. Scaling up HIV Treatment for MSM in Bangkok: What Does It Take? – A Modelling and Costing Study. © World Bank. http://hdl.handle.net/10986/22066 License: CC BY 3.0 IGO.
Associated URLs
Associated content
Report Series
Other publications in this report series
Journal
Journal Volume
Journal Issue
Collections

Related items

Showing items related by metadata.

  • Publication
    West Africa HIV/AIDS Epidemiology and Response Synthesis : Implications for Prevention
    (Washington, DC, 2008-11) World Bank
    This synthesis paper describes the HIV epidemics in 15 West African countries - Benin, Burkina Faso, Cote d'Ivoire, Ghana, Guinea, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Togo, Cape Verde, The Gambia, Guinea Bissau, Liberia, and Sierra Leone. It focuses particularly on the degree to which the epidemics in each country are concentrated or generalized, and the implications for effective prevention. The urgent need for rigorous analytic work to equip countries with a sound, situation-specific analytical base for action motivated this study. The analysis team critically reviewed and interpreted all available surveillance, survey and research data (the amount and quality of which varied considerably by country). For the first ten countries listed, short country visits enabled interviews and more thorough search for data and other information, and the programmatic response to the HIV/AIDS epidemic was also assessed to develop recommendations for improving resource allocation and program effectiveness.
  • Publication
    The Global HIV Epidemics among Men Who Have Sex with Men
    (World Bank, 2011-05-27) Beyrer, Chris; Wirtz, Andrea L.; Walker, Damian; Johns, Benjamin; Sifakis, Frangiscos; Baral, Stefan D.
    Men who have sex with Men (MSM) are currently at marked risk for HIV infection in Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs) in Asia, Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean, and in Eastern Europe and Central Asia. Estimates of HIV prevalence rates have been consistently higher among MSM than for the general population of reproductive-age men virtually wherever MSM have been well studied. Although scarce, HIV incidence data support findings of high acquisition and transmission risks among MSM in multiple contexts, cultural settings, and economic levels. Research among MSM in LMICs has been limited by the criminalization and social stigmatization of these behaviors, the safety considerations for study participants, the hidden nature of these populations, and a lack of targeted funding. Available evidence from these countries suggests that structural risks social, economic, political, or legal factors in addition to individual-level risk factors are likely to play important roles in shaping HIV risks and treatment and care options for these men. Services and resources for populations of MSM remain markedly low in many settings. They have limited coverage and access to HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment, and care services with some estimates suggesting that fewer than one in ten MSM worldwide have access to the most basic package of preventive interventions.
  • Publication
    HIV in the Caribbean : A Systematic Data Review, 2003-2008
    (Washington, DC, 2008) World Bank
    This report is the result of a comprehensive, regional, data-driven review of the HIV epidemic in the Caribbean. Several reports have been published about the Caribbean but none have specifically focused on a thorough review of data sources, data collection strategies and detailed epidemiology of the HIV epidemic. In the past, the Caribbean epidemic has largely been characterized as a generalized, heterosexual epidemic on the verge of explosion. The purpose of an HIV epidemiological synthesis is to assess and analyze new or recent data to provide strategic direction for the program development and implementation. New data sources include any unpublished, unexplored or unanalyzed data, the latest surveillance data, as well as, biological and behavioral surveys, STI data, program monitoring data and quantitative or qualitative research data. The synthesis also tests and explores an existing hypothesis about the epidemic and discusses relevant data-based policy implications. For the Caribbean synthesis, aimed to: 1) analyze HIV transmission patterns; 2) determine epidemiological and behavioral drivers in the Caribbean; and 3) analyze the national and regional responses relative to findings from the analysis.
  • Publication
    AIDS in South Asia : Understanding and Responding to a Heterogeneous Epidemic
    (Washington, DC: World Bank, 2006) Moses, Stephen; Blanchard, James F.; Kang, Han; Emmanuel, Faran; Reza Paul, Sushena; Becker, Marissa L.; Wilson, David; Claeson, Mariam
    South Asia's HIV epidemic is highly heterogeneous. As a result, informed, prioritized, and effective responses necessitate an understanding of the epidemic diversity between and within countries. Further spread of HIV in South Asia is preventable. The future size of South Asia's epidemic will depend on an effective two-pronged approach: firstly, on the scope and effectiveness of HIV prevention programs for sex workers and their clients, injecting drug users and their sexual partners, and men having sex with men and their other sexual partners; and secondly, on the effectiveness of efforts to address the underlying socio-economic determinants of the epidemic, and to reduce stigma and discrimination towards people engaging in high risk behaviors, often marginalized in society, as well as people living with HIV and AIDS.
  • Publication
    Risky Business?
    (World Bank, Washington, DC, 2010-11) World Bank; Hacettepe Training, Research and Services Foundation; UN HIV/AIDS Joint Programme in Turkey; The Ministry of Health, Turkey
    This study focuses on, what is believed to be, a key client group of sex workers: mobile workers. While several studies have been conducted in Turkey on sex workers, little evidence exists on their clients, the demand side of the commercial sex market. Research from other countries has shown that mobile workers, who are often working-age males spending significant time away from home, are more likely to have multiple sexual partners and visit sex workers (World Bank, 2009; Kulis et al., 2009; Marck, 1999). The objective of this study is to determine the HIV knowledge, awareness, and behaviors among four mobile worker groups in Turkey that may have elevated risks for HIV infection and transmission: sailors, truck drivers, construction, and tourism workers. International transportation, construction, and tourism are some of the fastest growing sectors of Turkey's economy, and mobile workers in these sectors are believed to be one of the main HIV transmission routes for future infections (Tumer and Unal, 2006). It is important to note two caveats of this study. First, no biomarker data (e.g., HIV testing) was collected from these workers, so conclusions regarding HIV prevalence or concentration of the epidemic cannot be made. Second, the sample did not include other at-risk groups or the general population, so it is difficult to know whether the behaviors are more or less risky in other population groups. Where possible, comparisons with other studies or countries are presented, but there are likely important differences in sampling and methodology. The major contribution of this study, however, is that it characterizes the risk factors within the mobile worker population in Turkey.

Users also downloaded

Showing related downloaded files

  • Publication
    Doing Business 2014 : Understanding Regulations for Small and Medium-Size Enterprises
    (Washington, DC: World Bank Group, 2013-10-28) World Bank; International Finance Corporation
    Eleventh in a series of annual reports comparing business regulation in 185 economies, Doing Business 2014 measures regulations affecting 11 areas of everyday business activity: Starting a business, Dealing with construction permits, Getting electricity, Registering property, Getting credit, Protecting investors, Paying taxes, Trading across borders, Enforcing contracts, Closing a business, Employing workers. The report updates all indicators as of June 1, 2013, ranks economies on their overall “ease of doing business”, and analyzes reforms to business regulation – identifying which economies are strengthening their business environment the most. The Doing Business reports illustrate how reforms in business regulations are being used to analyze economic outcomes for domestic entrepreneurs and for the wider economy. Doing Business is a flagship product by the World Bank and IFC that garners worldwide attention on regulatory barriers to entrepreneurship. More than 60 economies use the Doing Business indicators to shape reform agendas and monitor improvements on the ground. In addition, the Doing Business data has generated over 870 articles in peer-reviewed academic journals since its inception.
  • Publication
    Classroom Assessment to Support Foundational Literacy
    (Washington, DC: World Bank, 2025-03-21) Luna-Bazaldua, Diego; Levin, Victoria; Liberman, Julia; Gala, Priyal Mukesh
    This document focuses primarily on how classroom assessment activities can measure students’ literacy skills as they progress along a learning trajectory towards reading fluently and with comprehension by the end of primary school grades. The document addresses considerations regarding the design and implementation of early grade reading classroom assessment, provides examples of assessment activities from a variety of countries and contexts, and discusses the importance of incorporating classroom assessment practices into teacher training and professional development opportunities for teachers. The structure of the document is as follows. The first section presents definitions and addresses basic questions on classroom assessment. Section 2 covers the intersection between assessment and early grade reading by discussing how learning assessment can measure early grade reading skills following the reading learning trajectory. Section 3 compares some of the most common early grade literacy assessment tools with respect to the early grade reading skills and developmental phases. Section 4 of the document addresses teacher training considerations in developing, scoring, and using early grade reading assessment. Additional issues in assessing reading skills in the classroom and using assessment results to improve teaching and learning are reviewed in section 5. Throughout the document, country cases are presented to demonstrate how assessment activities can be implemented in the classroom in different contexts.
  • Publication
    World Development Report 2006
    (Washington, DC, 2005) World Bank
    This year’s Word Development Report (WDR), the twenty-eighth, looks at the role of equity in the development process. It defines equity in terms of two basic principles. The first is equal opportunities: that a person’s chances in life should be determined by his or her talents and efforts, rather than by pre-determined circumstances such as race, gender, social or family background. The second principle is the avoidance of extreme deprivation in outcomes, particularly in health, education and consumption levels. This principle thus includes the objective of poverty reduction. The report’s main message is that, in the long run, the pursuit of equity and the pursuit of economic prosperity are complementary. In addition to detailed chapters exploring these and related issues, the Report contains selected data from the World Development Indicators 2005‹an appendix of economic and social data for over 200 countries. This Report offers practical insights for policymakers, executives, scholars, and all those with an interest in economic development.
  • Publication
    World Development Report 2011
    (World Bank, 2011) World Bank
    The 2011 World development report looks across disciplines and experiences drawn from around the world to offer some ideas and practical recommendations on how to move beyond conflict and fragility and secure development. The key messages are important for all countries-low, middle, and high income-as well as for regional and global institutions: first, institutional legitimacy is the key to stability. When state institutions do not adequately protect citizens, guard against corruption, or provide access to justice; when markets do not provide job opportunities; or when communities have lost social cohesion-the likelihood of violent conflict increases. Second, investing in citizen security, justice, and jobs is essential to reducing violence. But there are major structural gaps in our collective capabilities to support these areas. Third, confronting this challenge effectively means that institutions need to change. International agencies and partners from other countries must adapt procedures so they can respond with agility and speed, a longer-term perspective, and greater staying power. Fourth, need to adopt a layered approach. Some problems can be addressed at the country level, but others need to be addressed at a regional level, such as developing markets that integrate insecure areas and pooling resources for building capacity Fifth, in adopting these approaches, need to be aware that the global landscape is changing. Regional institutions and middle income countries are playing a larger role. This means should pay more attention to south-south and south-north exchanges, and to the recent transition experiences of middle income countries.
  • Publication
    Remarks to the Annual Meetings 2020 Development Committee
    (World Bank, Washington, DC, 2020-10-16) Malpass, David
    David Malpass, President of the World Bank Group, announced that the Board approved a fast track approach to emergency health support programs that now covers 111 countries. Most projects are well advanced, with average disbursement upward of 40 percent. The goal is to take broad, fast action early. The operational framework presented back in June has positioned the Bank to help countries address immediate health threats and social and economic impacts and maintain our focus on long-term development. The Bank is making good progress toward the 15-month target of 160 billion dollars in surge financing. Much of it is for the poorest countries and will take the form of grants or low-rate, long-maturity loans. IFC, through the Global Health Platform, will be providing financing to vaccine manufacturers to foster expanded production of COVID-19 vaccines in both part 1 and 2 countries, providing production is reserved for emerging markets. The Development Committee holds a unique place in the international architecture. It is the only global forum in which the Governments of developed countries and the Governments of developing countries, creditor countries and borrower countries, come together to discuss development and the ‘net transfer of resources to developing countries.’ The current International Financial Architecture system is skewed in favor of the rich and creditor countries. It is important that all voices are heard, so Malpass urged the Ministers of developing countries to use their voice and speak their minds today. Malpass urged consideration of how we can build a new approach to debt restructuring that allows for a fair relationship and balance between creditors and debtors. This will be critical in restoring growth in developing countries; and helping reverse the inequality.