Conclusions

This element report can conclude that the following issues remain problematic:

• Insufficient response to existing indicators on Knowledge for LGBT: Although indicators exist only for MSM and MSW, and not for WSW and TG, too few countries are reporting on these indicators. Because these groups are most vulnerable it can clearly be said that most countries do not “know their epidemic”, nor do they “know their response.”
• Lack of capacity building around use of data: There is inadequate attention being placed on how the data can be used by advocates, its limitations and strengths. This indicates a lack of transparency as the real applicability of the data is inaccessible to most.
• WSW and TG indicators for knowledge do not exist: This issue needs to be urgently addressed at both UNAIDS and country level. The ongoing and entrenched marginalization of these individuals must stop and leadership in government, multi-laterals, bi-laterals, funders and civil society must react and begin to monitor such basic empirical evidence such as the knowledge levels of WSW and TG.
• Some countries are making headway: Several countries are setting excellent examples in paving the way for equality for LGBT people. Notable are the countries that have reported continuously on MSM and MSW indicators, but that have also included TG and WSW in their policy, programming and implementation. This can be said to be truly accountable leadership.

Recommendations

• Civil society needs to start demanding that governments begin to collect data on the most marginalized populations, and the ones most at risk, LGBT. Countries must no longer be allowed to ignore the existing indicators for MSM and MSW and must show leadership by making resources available to “Know their epidemic”.
• There needs to be more funding made available to build capacity in advocates and activists in terms of using empirical evidence for their work. A greater understanding of the usefulness of data, the influence it can have and the limitations that exist, are powerful tools for advocates globally.
• Activists need to start demanding more indicators, better quality data, more reporting and the inclusion of WSW and TG indicators. There needs to be an urgent solution to the inclusion of applicable indicators for TG and WSW. The existing questions should be evaluated at country level for applicability.
• Accountable leadership should be acknowledged: Countries that have succeeded should be rewarded for their efforts and applauded for leading from the front. Their efforts should be used to set examples for other governments but also as a way for lessons learnt to be shared with others as they venture into this new territory.