The HIV Epidemic Among Men Who Have Sex with Men in Central and Eastern Europe

This article summarizes the epidemiology of HIV among men who have sex with men (MSM) in 27 central and eastern European countries. For each country, the summary includes general information about the extent of the HIV epidemic, particularly among MSM; a brief overview of recent HIV-related biobehavioral studies conducted in the MSM population; and information on the current stigmatization of MSM. Reports of deeply rooted stigmatization of MSM in almost all 27 countries point to it as a serious obstacle in this population's access to proper treatment and care for STIs, including HIV.