The hidden/ hard to reach men who have sex with men (MSM)—Results from the qualitative study in India

A peer-driven approach based on the inbuilt trust of the community and leveraging networks might be a vital outreach strategy to engage this elusive, vulnerable hidden MSM. The vulnerability of young boys and men calls for an urgent need for fostering safer environment for minor male children in the context of this study and strong integration of POCSO Act in the programme. Additionally, there is an urgent need to revisit strategies for engaging middle-aged MSM, the 'sugar daddies' or 'uncles' in preventing spread of HIV. Policymakers and educational institutions may prioritize comprehensive sex and sexuality education to challenge and transform prevailing social norms affecting young boys in India. It is important for parents and carers to be alert about how these abuse happen, and how to help prevent it.