EACS2023: 129 Assessing the landscape and implementation of HIV-relevant policies on uptake of prevention and testing services among key populations in the WHO European Region P.J. Campbell , K.A. Nogales Crespo , J. Rocha , A. Fernandez , K.L. Nelson , A. Attwill Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, United States, Policy Wisdom, LLC, Quebradillas, Puerto Rico General data Abstract category: Access and delivery of care Abstract body Purpose: To analyze policies relevant to HIV prevention and testing for key populations and published evidence on policy implementation in the WHO European Region. Method: A sample of 15 countries was selected to represent a variety of contexts within the region (see Figure 1). A targeted search of policy targets was conducted to identify policies that directly or indirectly impact HIV prevention and testing. A targeted review of peer-reviewed literature was conducted to contextualize findings of the policy search. Databases were constructed using a standardized coding scheme and data were reviewed by a second researcher for accuracy. Figure 1. Approach Results: Most countries have testing guidelines and policies for self-testing (see Table 1). However, guidelines are not always followed, and awareness and uptake of self-testing is low in some countries. Most countries have national policies to make PrEP available to people vulnerable to sexual transmission of HIV and men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender people are often listed as policy targets. There is, however, limited awareness and knowledge of the benefits and availability of PrEP in some countries (e.g., Germany, Spain) and among certain key populations (e.g., MSM). Most countries have harm reduction programs for people who inject drugs (e.g., syringe exchange, opioid substitution). All countries have policies on sex work, and in most cases, it is not criminalized. There are laws that provide protection against discrimination, which were found to indirectly facilitate access to HIV prevention and testing. Table 1. Findings Conclusions: Several structural policies are in place to directly and indirectly facilitate HIV prevention and testing for key populations in the European region. Policies vary across countries, providing an opportunity for cross-country learning about barriers or facilitators to successful policy implementation. It is imperative that health systems address barriers faced by key populations in order to achieve UNAIDS targets. General conditions 1. I confirm that I previewed this abstract and that all information is correct. I accept that the content of this abstract cannot be modified or corrected after the submission deadline and I am aware that it will be published exactly as submitted.: Yes 2. I confirm that the submission of the abstract constitutes my consent to publication (e.g. conference website, programmes, other promotions, etc.). : Yes 3. I herewith confirm that the contact details saved in this system are those of the corresponding author, who will be notified about the status of the abstract. The corresponding author is responsible for informing the other authors about the status of the abstract.: Yes 4. I agree that all data provided may be used (saved, stored, processed, transmitted and deleted) in compliance with the privacy policy to provide the services described.: Yes 1 2 2 2 1 2 1 2 10 19TH EUROPEAN AIDS CONFERENCE | WARSAW 2023
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