Men who have sex with men (MSM) are a group heavily affected by HIV and syphilis. In Switzerland around 50% of HIV diagnoses and 60% of syphilis diagnoses affect these people. HIV and STI prevention among MSM is given high priority in the implementation of the NPHS.
The Urgent Action Plan
In collaboration with the Swiss AIDS Federation and Checkpoint sexual health centres, the FOPH has developed the Urgent Action Plan. Implementation of the UAP started in 2012, and it was updated in 2018. (See document below: Proud to protect you: A guide to sexual health for men who have sex with men).
One strategy with three fields of action
The Urgent Action Plan focuses on three fields of action. These are:
Field of action I
- MSM are educated about the issue of primary HIV infection. They recognise the symptoms and know where to get advice and tests.
- Primary HIV infection chains are broken by means of regular testing (and treatment if required).
- The viral load in the MSM community is reduced.
Field of action II
- The interval between infection and diagnosis is reduced to under 12 months.
Field of action III
- Preventing transmission after diagnosis.
The idea is that various measures such as providing information, test campaigns and individual advice will help make MSM familiar with forms of transmission, risk situations and strategies for protection against HIV and other STIs, and thus curb the spread of HIV and other STIs among this group of people.
Last modification 05.05.2022
Contact
Federal Office of Public Health FOPH
Division of Communicable Diseases
Prevention and Promotion Section
Schwarzenburgstrasse 157
3003
Bern
Switzerland
Tel.
+41 58 463 87 06