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International audience; Objective: The study aimed to explore longitudinal interactions between homonegativity and sexual behaviors with female partners among HIV-negative West African men who have sex with men and women (MSMW).Design and method: The community-based cohort CohMSM ANRS 12324 - Expertise France enrolled MSM in Togo, Burkina Faso, Côte d'Ivoire and Mali. Sociobehavioral data were collected every 6 months. Using 30-month follow-up data, a multiprobit analysis was performed to investigate the relationship between psychosocial and behavioral variables ex-ante (t - 1) and ex-post (t).Results: MSMW (n = 326) accounted for half of all participants in CohMSM. They reported inconsistent condom use with women in 39% of visits. Perceived and internalized homonegativity at t - 1 tended to lead to sexual violence toward women at t (P < 0.1), which was associated with inconsistent condom use with them at t (P < 0.05).Conclusion: Given the high HIV prevalence in West African MSM, widespread condom-less sex with women in MSMW, and the aggravating effect of social and internalized homonegativity, more research in the MSMW subpopulation is needed to assess the risk of HIV bridging to women and to design support activities.

ObjectiveTo describe sexual and reproductive health (SRH) needs of female sex workers (FSWs) to inform the future implementation of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV prevention in this population.Design and settingThe ANRS 12361 PrEP-CI cross-sectional and mixed-methods study was designed and implemented with two community-based organisations in Côte d’Ivoire.ParticipantsA convenience sample of 1000 FSWs aged ≥18, not known as HIV-positive, completed a standardised questionnaire assessing sociodemographic characteristics, sexual practices, use of community health services and a priori acceptability of PrEP. Twenty-two indepth interviews and eight focus group discussions were also conducted to document FSWs’ risky practices and sexual behaviours, experiences with violence and discrimination, attitudes regarding HIV and sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and barriers to SRH services.ResultsAlthough 87% described consistent condom use with clients, more than 22% declared accepting condomless sexual intercourse for a large sum of money. Furthermore, condom use with their steady partner and knowledge of their partner’s HIV status were low despite their acknowledged concurrent sexual partnerships. While inconsistent condom use exposed FSWs to STIs and undesired pregnancies, the prevalence of contraceptive strategies other than condoms was low (39%) due to fear of contraception causing sterility. FSWs faced obstacles to accessing SRH care and preferred advice from their peers or self-medication.ConclusionsDespite adoption of preventive behaviour in most cases, FSWs are still highly exposed to HIV. Furthermore, FSWs seem to face several barriers to accessing SRH. Implementing PrEP among FSWs in West Africa, such as in Côte d’Ivoire, constitutes an opportunity to consider the regular follow-up of HIV-negative FSWs. PrEP initiation should not condition access to SRH services; conversely, SRH services could be a way to attract FSWs into HIV prevention. Our results highlight the importance of developing a people-focused approach that integrates all SRH needs when transitioning from PrEP efficacy trials to implementation.

International audience; Background: In West Africa, few HIV services target men who have sex with men (MSM). In 2015, the interventional cohort CohMSM started offering a community-based prevention package for MSM. Participants expressed interest in pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and their eligibility was demonstrated. In 2017, PrEP was added to services already offered as part of a new program, CohMSM-PrEP, which recruited CohMSM participants and new participants. We aimed to determine whether the introduction of PrEP as an additional prevention tool influenced the type of participant signing up for CohMSM-PrEP.Methods: CohMSM-PrEP recruited HIV-negative MSM in community-based clinics in Mali, Cote d'Ivoire, Burkina Faso, and Togo. Quarterly follow-up included free clinical examinations, PrEP, HIV/sexually transmitted infection screening, peer education, condoms, and lubricants. Sociobehavioral data were collected every 3 months using face-to-face questionnaires. Our outcome was participant type: new participants vs CohMSM participants. Logistic regression was performed to identify the factors associated with being a new participant.Results: Of the 524 MSM included in CohMSM-PrEP, 41% were new participants. After adjustment, multivariate analysis showed they were more socioeconomically disadvantaged with financial insecurity, social isolation-including isolation within the MSM community-and riskier sexual practices.Conclusion: The introduction of PrEP as an additional prevention tool and the use of peer-based outreach services over time influenced the type of participant signing up for a community-based HIV prevention cohort in West Africa. Adding these elements to existing interventions in Sub-Saharan Africa could be the key to reaching MSM marginalized from HIV prevention and care programs.

ObjectivesWhether regular HIV testing and counselling reduce risky sexual behaviours in African men who have sex with men (MSM) is still a matter for debate. We aimed to identify behavioural trajectories based on HIV risk exposure (HRE) and factors affecting their evolution.MethodsData were collected from 621 HIV-negative West African MSM (Mali, Cote d'Ivoire, Burkina Faso and Togo) included in a community-based cohort providing quarterly HIV testing and counselling. Sociobehavioural data were collected every 6 months. HRE was defined as reporting inconsistent condom use during receptive anal sex with male partners of unknown HIV status in the previous 6 months. Using 18-month follow-up data, group-based trajectory modelling helped identify behavioural trajectories and determine the factors associated with their evolution. HIV seroconversions (n=67) were specified in each group trajectory.ResultsTwo distinct group trajectories were identified: medium-risk exposure MSM (ME-MSM) (61%, 6.4% of whom having seroconverted) and high-risk exposure MSM (HE-MSM) (39%, 17.5% of whom having seroconverted). A significant declining trend in the probability of reporting HRE over time ((95% CI)) was observed for HE-MSM (from 0.59 (0.48 to 0.70) at M0 to 0.31 (0.22 to 0.41) at M18), while it remained constant for ME-MSM (0.034 (0.0 to 0.079)). This can be explained by a progressive use of risk reduction strategies (less receptive anal sex, better knowledge of their partners’ status and increasing condom use). Being younger, living in Burkina Faso, self-considering both a man and a woman and reporting a higher level of depression were all associated with HE membership. Among HE-MSM, HRE was higher in those practising transactional or group sex and those experiencing psychological harassment.ConclusionsQuarterly HIV testing and counselling seem to reduce risky sexual behaviours in HIV-negative MSM at greatest risk of infection. Specific support for young MSM, focusing on identity and mental health, is needed to strengthen HIV prevention in West African MSM.

International audience; AimIn West Africa, most countries have mixed HIV epidemics; new tools such as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) should target in priority most affected populations, particularly female sex workers (FSWs). This paper describes sexual and reproductive health (SRH) needs of FSWs in Côte d’Ivoire to inform the future implementation of PrEP in this population.Method/IssueThe ANRS 12361 PrEP-CI cross-sectional and mixed-methods study was designed and implemented with two Ivorian community-based organizations. 1000 FSWs completed a standardized questionnaire assessing women’s sociodemographic characteristics, sexual practices and behaviors, use of community health services, a priori acceptability of PrEP. Twenty-two in-depth interviews and eight focus group discussions were conducted at prostitution sites. FSWs were interviewed about risky practices and sexual behaviors, experiences with violence and discrimination, attitudes regarding HIV and sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and barriers to SRH services.Results/CommentsThe quantitative and qualitative results showed that FSWs were highly exposed to HIV despite their use of condoms with clients. 91% did not use condoms with their regular partner, despite their acknowledged concurrent sexual partnerships. 23% accepted condomless sexual intercourse for a large sum of money, especially when they had had few previous clients. Moreover, FSWs faced many unmet needs regarding SRH beyond HIV prevention and treatment. Inconsistent condom use exposed FSWs to STIs and undesired pregnancies. However, the prevalence of contraceptive use was low (40%) due to fear of contraception causing sterility. FSWs faced obstacles in accessing SRH care and preferred advice from their peers or self-medication.DiscussionImplementing PrEP among FSWs in West Africa, such as in Côte d’Ivoire, constitutes an opportunity to consider the chronic follow-up of HIV-negative FSWs. PrEP initiation should not condition access to SRH services; conversely, SRH services could be a way to attract FSWs into practicing HIV prevention. Our results highlight the importance of developing a people-focused approach that integrates all SRH needs when transitioning from PrEP efficacy trials to implementation.

International audience; Although the HIV epidemic is generalized in West Africa, some population groups such as men who have sex with men (MSM), especially those engaged in transactional sex (TS), are thought to be particularly more vulnerable to HIV than others. However, few data are available to help identify their health-related needs with a view to implementing targeted prevention interventions. To fill this knowledge gap, we aimed to characterize MSM reporting TS (MSM-TS) and to identify factors associated with their sexual practices using data from the prospective cohort study CohMSM, which was conducted in Burkina Faso, Côte d'Ivoire, Mali and Togo. Three stigmatization sub-scores were constructed (experienced, perceived and internalized). The generalized estimating equation method was used for data analysis. Of the total 630 HIV-negative MSM recruited in CohMSM, 463, 410 and 244 had a follow-up visit at 6, 12 and 18 months, respectively. In a total of 1747 follow-up visits, 478 TS encounters were reported by 289 MSM-TS (45.9%). Of the latter, 91 regularly reported TS (31.5%), 55 (19.0%) stopped reporting TS after baseline, and 53 (18.3%) reported TS after baseline and 90 (31.1%) occasionally reported TS. The following variables, regarding the previous 6 months, were positively associated with TS: being younger (aOR[95%CI]:1.86[1.39-2.50]), less educated (aOR[95%CI]:1.49[1.09-2.03]), unmarried status (aOR[95%CI]:1.79[1.10-2.93]), satisfaction with current sex life (aOR[95%CI]:1.41[1.06-1.88]), group sex with men (aOR[95%CI]:2.07[1.46-2.94]), multiple male sexual partners (aOR[95%CI]:1.85[1.40-2.44]), receptive or versatile anal sex with male partners (aOR [95%CI]:1.48[1.12-1.96]), giving benefits in exchange for sex with a man (aOR[95%CI]:2.80[1.97-3.98]), alcohol consumption (aOR[95%CI]:1.44[1.08-1.93]) and drug use (aOR[95%CI]:1.82[1.24-2.68]) during sex, and finally experiencing stigmatization (aOR [95%CI]:1.15[1.07-1.25]). Condom use during anal sex (aOR[95%CI]:0.73[0.53-0.99]) was negatively associated with TS.

BackgroundAlthough men who have sex with men (MSM) are at high risk of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, they do not have access to vaccination in West Africa, which is a highly endemic region. We investigated HBV prevalence and associated factors, as well as acceptability and difficulties of vaccination in MSM enrolled in an operational research program in Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Mali, and Togo.MethodsWe followed up 779 MSM in 2015–2018. Participants who were negative for both hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and antibodies (anti-HBs) at enrollment were offered HBV vaccination. Factors associated with HBV infection were identified using logistic regression models.ResultsOverall, HBV prevalence was 11.2% (95% confidence interval [CI], 9.0%–13.6%). It was lower in Togo than in Côte d’Ivoire (2.7% vs 17.3%; adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 0.12; 95% CI, 0.02–0.28) and higher in participants with 6+ recent male sexual partners (21.0% vs 9.3%; aOR, 1.48; 95% CI, 1.12–1.97). Of 528 participants eligible for vaccination, 484 (91.7%) were willing to be vaccinated and received at least 1 dose (ranging from 68.2% in Abidjan to 96.4% in Bamako; P < .001). Of the latter, 390 (80.6%) received 3 or 4 doses. The proportion of participants for whom the minimum required time between each dose was respected ranged from 10.9% in Bamako to 88.6% in Lomé (P < .001).ConclusionsMSM in West Africa should be targeted more for HBV screening and vaccination. Although vaccination is well accepted by MSM, greater training of health care workers and education of MSM are required.

International audience; OBJECTIVE:To explore the interest in taking PrEP among Western African men who have sex with men (MSM).METHODS:A cross-sectional survey was implemented at enrolment of HIV-negative MSM in a multiple centre community-based cohort study in four West African countries (Mali, Côte d'Ivoire, Burkina Faso, Togo). A standardised face-to-face questionnaire collected data on socio-demographic and behavioural characteristics over the previous 6 months. Descriptive analysis and multivariate logistic regression helped identify factors associated with the interest in taking PrEP.RESULTS:Of 564 participants, 87% were interested in taking PrEP. Interest in PrEP was associated with inconsistent condom use for anal sex (adjusted odds ratio (aOR): 2.11; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.21-3.67), transactional sex (aOR: 2.02; 95% CI 1.11-3.71), searching for male sexual partners on the Internet in the previous month (aOR: 1.86; 95% CI 1.01-3.43), having a high level of self-esteem (aOR: 1.20; 95% CI 1.06-1.36), having at least one sexually transmitted infections at enrolment (aOR: 5.08; 95% CI 1.40-18.4) and not being aware of PrEP (aOR: 2.03; 95% CI 1.04-3.96). Participants having sex with HIV-positive male partners (aOR: 0.28; 95% CI 0.11-0.74), those being more sexually attracted to women than to men (aOR: 0.20; 95% CI 0.07-0.89) and those reporting psychological and material support from close friends (aOR: 0.33; 95% CI 0.15-0.73) were less interested in taking PreP.CONCLUSIONS:Western African HIV-negative MSM appear very interested in taking PrEP, especially those most at risk of HIV infection. PrEP implementation in a comprehensive prevention package should be considered urgently.

International audience; ContexteBien que les travailleuses du sexe (TS) constituent une population particulièrement à risque du VIH, la compréhension du fardeau du VIH reste limitée dans cette population en Afrique subsaharienne. Le projet PrEP-CI ANRS 12361 comportait une estimation de l’incidence de l’infection VIH chez des TS en Côte d’Ivoire à l’aide de tests d’infection récente.MéthodesL’étude a été conduite entre septembre 2016 et mars 2017 auprès de TS âgées de 18 ans et plus à Abidjan et à San Pedro, en mobilisant une méthodologie mixte :(i) des entretiens qualitatifs individuels et des focus groupes auprès de 60 TS,(ii) un questionnaire sociodémographique standardisé ainsi qu’un dépistage du VIH par deux tests rapides (Determine®, Alere et Vikia®, bio Mérieux) administrés par des paires éducatrices sur les sites prostitutionnels auprès de 1000 TS. En cas de positivité, un prélèvement sur DBS a été réalisé pour déterminer la fenêtre d’infection à l’aide d’un test d’infection récente (EIA-RI) adapté au contexte ivoirien.Résultats1000 TS (400 à San Pedro, 600 à Abidjan) avec un âge médian de 25 ans [Intervalle Interquartile = 21-29] ont été incluses dans l’étude et ont été dépistées pour le VIH. Parmi elles, 39 ont été diagnostiquées VIH+, dont 7 infectées récemment (durée moyenne de la durée d’infection de 113 jours), correspondant à une incidence du VIH de 2,2%.L’incidence est plus élevée à San Pedro (3,2%) qu’à Abidjan (1,5%). Ces résultats sont à mettre en regard des données qualitatives : les TS de San Pedro ont témoigné de difficultés (distance, horaires, coûts …) à accéder aux soins de santé et aux moyens de prévention, notamment le préservatif. L’infection à VIH est également associée à la vulnérabilité : l’incidence est plus élevée chez celles qui pratiquent des passes ≤ 2000 CFA (3,1% vs. 0,7%) ; chez celles qui exercent sur les trottoirs (5,1%) et dans les hôtels (3,8%) ; et chez celles qui ne travaillent qu’une fois par semaine (2,9% vs. 0 cas incident observé chez celles qui travaillent tous les jours). Les TS travaillant occasionnellement sont plus difficilement identifiées par les paires éducatrices et ont moins accès à la prévention. Enfin, les TS de moins de 25 ans sont plus à risque d’infection (2,6%) que celles de plus âgées (1,6%) et l’incidence du VIH est associée aux autres IST (2,3% chez celles ayant eu ≥1 IST au cours des 12 derniers mois vs 1,8%).ConclusionCette étude est l’une des premières à estimer l’incidence du VIH en Côte d’Ivoire chez les TS. Cette population est beaucoup plus exposée que le reste de la population générale (2,2% vs. 0,06% estimé par l’Onusida). Les nouvelles infections se concentrent chez les TS plus jeunes, en situation précaire et travaillant dans des zones reculées, en particulier dans la région de San Pedro. Ces sous-groupes vulnérables doivent donc être visés en priorité par les programmes de prévention et devraient se voir proposer une prophylaxie préexposition (PrEP) selon les recommandations de l’OMS.

Background The ATLAS programme aims to promote and implement HIV self-testing (HIVST) in three West African countries: Côte d’Ivoire, Mali, and Senegal. During 2019–2021, in close collaboration with the national AIDS implementing partners and communities, ATLAS plans to distribute 500,000 HIVST kits through eight delivery channels, combining facility-based, community-based strategies, primary and secondary distribution of HIVST. Considering the characteristics of West African HIV epidemics, the targets of the ATLAS programme are hard-to-reach populations: key populations (female sex workers, men who have sex with men, and drug users), their clients or sexual partners, partners of people living with HIV and patients diagnosed with sexually transmitted infections and their partners. The ATLAS programme includes research support implementation to generate evidence for HIVST scale-up in West Africa. The main objective is to describe, analyse and understand the social, health, epidemiological effects and cost-effectiveness of HIVST introduction in Côte d’Ivoire, Mali and Senegal to improve the overall HIV testing strategy (accessibility, efficacy, ethics). Methods ATLAS research is organised into five multidisciplinary workpackages (WPs): Key Populations WP: qualitative surveys (individual in-depth interviews, focus group discussions) conducted with key actors, key populations, and HIVST users.Index testing WP: ethnographic observation of three HIV care services introducing HIVST for partner testing.Coupons survey WP: an anonymous telephone survey of HIVST users.Cost study WP: incremental economic cost analysis of each delivery model using a top-down costing with programmatic data, complemented by a bottom-up costing of a representative sample of HIVST distribution sites, and a time-motion study for health professionals providing HIVST.Modelling WP: Adaptation, parameterisation and calibration of a dynamic compartmental model that considers the varied populations targeted by the ATLAS programme and the different testing modalities and strategies. Discussion ATLAS is the first comprehensive study on HIV self-testing in West Africa. The ATLAS programme focuses particularly on the secondary distribution of HIVST. This protocol was approved by three national ethic committees and the WHO’s Ethical Research Committee. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12889-021-10212-1.