This publication provides operational guidance on the Consolidated Guidelines on HIV prevention, diagnosis, treatment and care for key populations, published in 2014 by the World Health Organization. The Consolidated Guidelines outline the services needed by men who have sex with men, while "Implementing Comprehensive HIV and STI Programmes with Men Who Have Sex With Men: Practical Guidance for Collaborative Interventions" (MSMIT) explains how to implement these services. The guidelines and practices outlined in the MSMIT will also serve as a basis for future programs targeting men who have sex with men (MSM), including those funded by the Global Fund.

The tool’s six chapters cover community empowerment, addressing violence against men who have sex with men, condom and lubricant programming, delivering health-care services, integrating information and communication technology into programming, and programme management. In addition, the MSMIT incorporates examples of best practices from around the world, which demonstrate how HIV programs targeting MSM have managed to effectively address the epidemic in challenging legal and social environments. The MSMIT places a strong emphasis on community empowerment, as MSM communities are often best situated to respond to their own needs and challenges.