PSI began working with MSM in 2004 with a one-year grant from the Elton John HIV/AIDS Foundation and subsequent funding from sales revenue. In 2006, this program focused on MSM frequenting night clubs in Bucharest and the MSM internet community. The former helps informal community leaders to advocate for risk reduction behavior among their natural social networks. The latter utilizes a website, a biweekly electronic gay men’s health magazine, and an electronic partner notification program.

A mid-term evaluation of the program in Bucharest night clubs found a dramatic increase in STI testing within the two months prior to measurement, by 89% among intervention trainees and by 56% among those with whom they advocated; in addition, those not exposed to the intervention reported no change in behavior. A final evaluation of this program will be done in early 2007.  PSI plans to expand its program outside of Bucharest and to include male commercial sex workers starting in mid-2007 with support from the Global Fund Round 6 award to Romania and in collaboration with ACCEPT, a local NGO.