These guidelines were developed by WHO, in collaboration with academics and researchers, programme and policy experts, civil society representatives, and four global key populationled networks: GATE, INPUD, MPact, and NSWP, who represent and advocate for the needs of trans and gender diverse people, people who use drugs, men who have sex with men, and sex workers, respectively.
The four key population networks contributed to the guidelines at multiple stages. GATE, INPUD, MPact, and NSWP were all members of the Guideline Development Group – the group responsible for formulating and approving the new and updated recommendations. Representatives from the key population networks also participated in the External Review group, which reviewed the guidelines. In addition, WHO commissioned GATE, INPUD, MPact, and NSWP to design and conduct a study of key populations’ values and preferences surrounding HIV, viral hepatitis, and STI services amongst their communities.
In 2021, GATE, INPUD, MPact and NSWP conducted community-led research exploring their communities’ values and preferences surrounding HIV, viral hepatitis, and STI services. Due to the lack of networks of people in prisons and logistical issues, no community consultation was conducted with people in prisons, although given the criminalisation of key populations, people with experience of incarceration were included in key population consultations.
Data was collected by community consultants engaged by the global key population-led networks. The research included virtual semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions conducted with community members, including key informants and grassroots community members. From the NSWP network, 26 interviews and 8 focus group discussions were conducted with cisgender female, male, and trans and gender diverse sex workers across all 5 NSWP regions. More information can be found in Chapter 2 of the guidelines.
