Homo-and transsexual people, drug addicts, prostitutes and prison inmates have a higher risk of becoming infected with HIV. In many countries, they are discriminated against – a hurdle at the containment of the pathogen.

To counteract the spread of HIV, especially those people need to be reached, who have an increased risk of infection. But in many places they have limited access to health care and prevention measures, such as the World Health Organization reported. Discrimination against homosexuals and transsexuals, drug addicts, prostitutes and prisoners impeded their view HIV prevention. The organization called on governments to reduce legal and social hurdles for these people.

The needs of vulnerable groups should also be included in the national HIV strategies, emphasizing the organization. At present, therefore, take into account only two-thirds of the countries in their strategies the situation of gays or prostitutes. In drug addicts go only 40 percent of countries, transsexuals have hardly anywhere a lobby.

For the first time WHOneben recommends the use of condoms for gay men also taking medications for prevention of HIV infection. Such prophylaxis can help reduce the risk, according to the new guidelines. Recently, the U.S. health authorities people with an increased risk of infection, these so-called pre-exposure prophylaxis (Prep) had recommended. Among these risk group alongside homosexuals who do not live in a committed relationship, including men and women who live with an HIV-positive partner.

The risk of HIV infection for gay men by the presented figures on Friday the world 19 times greater than for the general population. In other risk groups, the infection rate is even up to 50 times higher.

HIV Prevention:”An achievable goal”

Overall, the WHO is called a good trend in the control of immunodeficiency. “The vision of the victory over the HIV virus, we have an achievable goal made,” the responsible WHO Director Gottfried Hirnschall said. So did the number of people infected, which would be treated with special anti-HIV drugs in the past year increased by two million to 13 million. “But the progress is uneven: Those who globally have the greatest risk of infection and the least access to health care, are left behind.”

Worldwide, more than 35 million people are infected with the HI virus, most of them in sub-Saharan Africa. The new guidelines are to be adopted (July 20 to 25) at the 20th International AIDS Conference in Melbourne in Australia.

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