Everybody Knows, but Nobody Knows: Desk Review of Current Literature on HIV and Male-Male Sexualities, Behaviours and Sexual Exploitation in Afghanistan

The objectives of this assessment include:

1. To describe the characteristics of MSM with particular attention to adolescent and young males within community, entertainment, and congregate settings in Kabul, Kandahar, and Mazari-sharif as it pertains to HIV prevention.
2. To assess the circumstances of child abuse/exploitation within the context of MSM within communities, entertainment, and congregate settings in Kabul, Kandahar, and Mazar.
3. To strengthen the knowledge base for the HIV national response for MSM and child abuse/exploitation among the government, donors, and NGOs.
4. To make recommendations for a stronger capacity among the government, donors, and NGOs for appropriate service delivery on HIV prevention, care and support for MSM and children at risk of child abuse/exploitation.
5. To review the development of MSM community-based self-help and other appropriate approaches to HIV prevention, to reduce stigma and discrimination, and to reduce violence against children.

This desk review of current literature on male-male sexualities, behaviours and sexual exploitation in Afghanistan is a part of the rapid assessment of male vulnerabilities to HIV and sexual exploitation in Afghanistan.