WHO guidelines on HIV preventaion, diagnosis, treatment & care for key populations

In its Consolidated Guidelines on HIV Prevention, Diagnosis, Treatment and Care for Key Populations (first published in 2014), the WHO identifies not only ‘essential health sector interventions’, but also ‘critical enablers’ to ensure key populations such as drug users can access the necessary health services. One critical enabler is new policies and protective laws in accordance with international human rights standard that support the health and well-being of key populations whose sexual behaviours, drug use, gender expression or perceived sexual orientation may currently be criminalised. When such behaviours are criminalised, people from the key populations may fear that seeking health care will expose them to adverse legal consequences