ECDC is pleased to inform you that there is a call for tender published for: “Novel Approaches to Testing for STIs, HIV and Hepatitis B and C in the European Union” Publication Reference OJ/2010/07/27-PROC/2010/039.

In recent years remarkable changes in the field of testing could be observed. Testing procedures have been technically simplified and for many instances simple test kits are available which can be used outside traditional laboratory settings. Information on STI/HIV/hepatitis and testing methods is widely available through the Internet. Many of the novel approaches to testing are developed and implemented by health care and/or public health services and follow systematic and structured procedures. However some testing may be performed outside health settings which may cause problems with respect to quality assurance, evaluation and assessment of benefits and harms.

The objective of this request for offer is to produce a short report for ECDC internal use, exploring the need for and the scope of further activities in the field of sexually transmitted infections and HIV, as well as for hepatitis B and C.

The maximum budget for this tender 25,000 EURO. The deadline for submission of the tender is 10/09/2010 at 16:00 local time (Stockholm).

The tender specifications can be accessed via the following link: http://ecdc.europa.eu/en/aboutus/calls/Pages/ProcurementsandGrants.aspx

If you require further clarifications, please send requests to procurement@ecdc.europa.eu (only requests to this email are considered) until 03/09/2010.

The World Health Organization (WHO) is developing guidelines for delivering an evidence-based, essential package of interventions for the prevention and treatment of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections among men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender people in the health sector.

The Global Forum on MSM and HIV (MSMGF) has been contracted to systematically solicit civil society input from MSM and transgender advocates in the form of individual telephone interviews with MSM and transgender people as part of the guidelines development process.

Interviews will focus on values and preferences MSM and transgender people may have regarding a range of HIV and STI prevention and treatment interventions. The MSMGF will conduct interviews by phone or Skype and compile input into a formal report that will be publicly available. All interviews will be anonymous - we will not be collecting identifying information. Interviews will help to strengthen guidelines the WHO develops for MSM and transgender communities worldwide.

To be a part of this process and other MSMGF research activities, please sign up for the MSMGF Survey Panel. You can join the MSMGF Survey Panel by registering at http://www.msmgf.org/index.cfm/id/1/ (it takes about one minute to register). Once you have registered, an option will appear to sign up for the MSMGF Survey Panel. Please note that we will not be able to interview everyone who signs up due to time limitations. Any questions or comments can be directed to contact@msmgf.org

This is a very important opportunity to influence a guidance document that will be used by organizations providing services to MSM and transgender people around the world. Please circulate among your networks!