APCOM and Asia Pacific Transgender Network (APTN) are working together in a new regional survey exploring the values and preferences of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) products among transgender women (TGW). The survey is a partnership between WHO, UNAIDS, FHI 360, PATH and IHRI and research partners Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales (UNSW) and Monash University.
This survey aims to understand the awareness and use of different PrEP products among the targeted populations, while at the same time trying to determine which PrEP products should be prioritized for which populations in Asia and Australia. One of the objectives are also to get a better idea about the willingness and ability of the community to pay for the powerful anti-HIV drug.
As a relatively new HIV prevention method in Asia Pacific region, in recent years we see more and more countries in Asia begin implementing PrEP. In a triumphant arrival not so long ago, we also see that new long-acting PrEP products are becoming available (such as long-acting injectable cabotegravir), which apparently will offer the community choice and have the potential to increase PrEP availability and uptake. Hence, this survey is not only intended to support improved PrEP programs and guidelines, but also to provide meaningful evidence to advocate for new products to be made available for key population communities who need it the most. Most importantly, it will support efforts to reduce new HIV infections.
To be eligible for the survey, participants must self-identify as transgender women (TGW), and be at least 18 years of age, reside in a target country and be HIV-negative (or not know their HIV status but believe themselves to be HIV-negative). The survey is built into a survey platform, Qualtrics, and administered online regionally with translation into the major local languages from countries where it is implemented. It takes about 10-15 minutes to complete and is completely anonymous.
The fact that the success of this survey is highly dependent on the number of participation from TGW community members and acknowledging that this initiative should be a collective effort for the community, ergo our request for support from our readers, subscribers and partners to help share and promote the survey. We are aspiring for huge participation from the community – as many as possible – while the survey is live to be accessed at least until the mid-July 2022. Engage in this survey to create a meaningful impact for the community and be part of the future of HIV prevention in Asia and Australia!
Survey Links
Please do select a survey link based on your country that is listed here:
Cambodia: click here
India: click here
Indonesia: click here
Lao PDR: click here
Malaysia: click here
Myanmar: click here
Nepal: click here
The Philippines: click here
Thailand: click here
Vietnam: click here
Further information or any related inquiries, feel free to contact:
Nicky Suwandi | Email: nickys@apcom.org
Hua Boonyapisomparn | Email: hua.b@weareaptn.org