Missing in Action: Loss of Clients from HIV Testing, Treatment, Care and Support Services, Case Studies of Gay Men and Other Men who Have Sex with Men in Manila

The purpose of this study was to document why significant numbers of men who have sex with men based in Metropolitan Manila (also known as Greater Manila, Metro Manila and Manila) currently do not access HIV services at different levels of the HIV treatment cascade.

Qualitative interviews were conducted with 48 men who have sex with men from four cities in Metropolitan Manila to explore barriers they faced at four levels of the HIV service cascade: HIV testing; the follow-up of a reactive HIV test; enrolling on antiretroviral treatment (ART); and adhering to ART.

The reasons for all of these barriers are diverse. Some are at the social level in terms of stigma and discrimination, or economic hardship. Some are internal, based on the attitudes, beliefs or behaviour of the men. Other barriers are institutional, at the policy level or in the health care system.