Programmatic mapping and size estimation study of key populations in South Africa: sex workers (male and female), men who have sex with men, persons who inject drugs and transgender people

Sex workers (SWs), men who have sex with men (MSM), transgender (TG) people and persons who inject drugs (PWIDs) are referred to as key populations. Key populations exist in every region of the world but their numbers are often unknown. Local evidence suggests that key populations are also greatly affected by HIV, and proportional to their size bear disproportionate burden of HIV infections indicating that HIV preventions to date have not reached and benefited these individuals. The overall aim of the programmatic mapping and population size estimate (PMSE) study was to provide a national size estimate for SWs, MSM, PWIDs and TG people as well as provide information on HIV service availability (e.g., condom distribution, HIV testing) in order to develop programmes that address the needs of key populations as part of the National HIV response.